PINCHAS
An accomplished artist and writer, Pinchas studied art at the Arts Student League in NYC. Prior to this he studied at Chabad yeshiva in New York, and was actively involved in the community of Crown Heights during the time of Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson. The Rebbe's passion for Redemption, a gift he imparted to all Jews, was that the goal of Redemption is the only thing at this stage of history worthy of a Jew's unending passion.
The Rebbe of Lubavitch had a vision with respect to the nations of the world that ignited a spark within Pinchas that has structured the framework of his life today. The Rebbe instructed his followers that the failure of Jews to proactively be a Light to the nations may well be the greatest obstacle the world faces in the ongoing process of Redemption that will lead us to the revelation of Moshiach. The Rebbe's words deeply impacted Pinchas' and gradually transformed his perspective on the relationship between Jews and non-Jews. He soon found himself reading every Jewish source dealing with Christianity, from the Kazari to 'The Mythmaker', written by Hyam Maccoby. In time, his previously adversarial disposition towards Christianity was transformed. He could now see the power of G-d at work amongst the nations. Despite the erroneous concepts of G-d's oneness disseminated by Christian doctrine, Christianity has spread the Jewish belief in Messiah throughout the world to places Jews alone would not have been able to reach. All eventually leads to good in G-d's plan for redemption.
While living in Los Angeles, writing screenplays and working for Jews for Judaism, Pinchas began to notice a clear and obvious movement of non-Jews accepting the Divine role of Jews. At the time, the motivation for their attitude was unclear, but there were distinct signals from religious non-Jews that they were coming to the realization that Jews are eternally bound by the covenant of Sinai, irrespective of the Christian messiah. This obviously is not the case with all Christian denominations, but there was a clearly established transformation developing in the Christian world that was redefining their attitudes towards Jews. Amazingly, Christians were allowing themselves to consider the historical origins of religion from the perspective of Torah, leaving an opening for the Light of Torah to lift them out of their ideological darkness. His curiosity was piqued. With the Rebbe of Lubavitch's admonition resonating within him, Pinchas began to engage Christians in religious dialogue. As he did, he sought to find Hashem's purpose in the spiritual phenomenon that has resulted in thousands of non-Jews being drawn to Torah and turning to Jews for answers. This experience has engendered in Pinchas a strong interest in the spiritual movements that are resulting in non-Jews making drastic and sacrificial life changes in their search for truth about the G-d of Israel and the true role of Jews as His covenant people. While he has a compassionate appreciation for the sincere individual desiring truth, Pinchas also maintains a sharp awareness of the deceptions that often lie hidden within the religious movements of the nations.
Having researched the current craving for truth that is swelling amongst the nations of the world, Pinchas grieves that its intensity sometimes overwhelms that of Jews, attributing this lack of fervor to the unhealthy dependence secular Jews have on non-Jewish culture and opinions. The compassion Pinchas holds for the spiritually thirsty Gentile is exceeded only by his passion that Jews realize the privilege and responsibility of Covenant Hashem made with them at Sinai and take hold of their inheritance, immersing themselves in Torah-true Judaism and lives sustained by obedience to its Mitzvot, with awe and respect for the Halachic authority and wisdom of the Sages of Judaism throughout the centuries.