민수기 8:4의 응답

The custom of adding three verses from Parshat Pinchas (up to "et briti shalom") at the end of Parshat Balak is an ancient and established custom in Corfu. The reason for this custom is mentioned in the responsa "Zera Anashim," a compilation of responsa by Rabbi Chida (Siman 21, responsa by Rabbi Yaakov Mayo): "To strengthen the merit and benefit of Pinchas for his righteous act and to conclude with the covenant of peace, which represents the fulfillment of all worlds." It is also possible to suggest another reason, which is to avoid concluding on a negative note, as stated in the Ramah (Rabbi Moses Isserles) in Orach Chaim, Siman 138. It is a longstanding custom of the Jewish people. See "Zera Anashim" where it is mentioned that this custom is ancient in Corfu (where great scholars resided, including the Radvaz, who had this custom in his time; see Responsa "Binyamin Ze'ev" Siman 184). Rabbi Yaakov Mayo concludes his lengthy response against those who object to this custom with the following words: "... we have researched and investigated, and in this custom, there is no hint of prohibition according to the words of the poskim and the words of the Zohar. It is not considered skipping or transgressing boundaries, as they said. And anyone who holds onto this custom will find great reward and support..." See his detailed response there. A summary of his response can be found in the collection "Hakamat HaChadesh" by Rabbi Yaakov Tzvi Katz (Vol. 3, Siman 137, note 69*). Additionally, we have heard from Rabbi Shlomo Sofer, son of Rabbi Abraham Sofer (from the family of the Sefardi scholars who compiled the book "Beit HaBechirah" by HaMe'iri), who served as a rabbi in Corfu from 5765-5768 (2005-2008), that this was the custom during his father's tenure in Corfu.