Balak Summaries

Balak 5770-2010

"A Nation that Dwells Alone"

There are those who argue that the concept of a nation that dwells alone is a very dangerous and harmful model. On the other hand, the nation that dwells alone is a truly special nation, and that specialness is a great blessing and privilege. When the nations of the world start expecting less of us, then we are in trouble.

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Balak 5768-2008

“The ‘Mazal Tov’ Conundrum”

Balaam, the prophet of the nations, states clearly that there is no divination in Jacob and no sorcery in Israel. Yet, we often find references to sorcery and astrology in many mainstream Jewish texts. Given Judaism’s strong stand against sorcery, how can the popular expression “Mazal Tov!” possibly be reconciled?

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Balak 5767-2007

"The Enemy Within"

Who were Balak and Bilaam? According to Midrashic sources they are both descended from Abraham’s family. Balak was the son of Lot, while Bilaam was Laban’s son, and brother to Rachel and Leah. Jewish history has a long pattern of evil emanating from good and good emanating from evil. What accounts for this perplexing pattern?

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Balak 5765-2005

"Bilaam, Prophet to the Nations"

The Midrash says that G-d gave the gentile nations a prophet of the stature of Bilaam so that the nations would not be able to say, "If we had a prophet, we would be as righteous as Israel." Instead of leading his people to good, Bilaam led the people to evil and corruption. But is it truly Bilaam and others like him who fail, or is it the failure of the Jews to provide the proper role model?

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Balak 5764-2004

"How Goodly are Your Tents O’ Jacob?"

Targum Jonathan, the Aramaic translation of the Torah, says that Bilaam saw the schools of the Jewish people and was moved to say: “How goodly are your tents O’ Jacob?” The “number one” priority in Jewish life is to ensure that the committed Jews remain committed. There is no better way of ensuring that, than by providing outstanding intensive Jewish education for our children. If we fail to do so, then our Jewish future is in jeopardy.

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Balak 5761-2001

"Words of Eternal Truth from the Evil Prophet Bilaam"

Despite Bilaam’s best efforts, his prophecies turn into blessings. While Balak, the king of Moab, is terribly disappointed with Bilaam’s words, Bilaam’s prophecies actually contain amazing and enduring insights into the nature of the Jewish People.

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Chukat-Balak 5760-2000

"History Repeats Itself! Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose."

According to tradition, the nations of Moab and Midian were mortal enemies. As usual, as we see once again is parashat Chukat, the one thing that unites our enemies is the enmity of Israel, which is greater than their hatred for each other. That pattern has repeated itself throughout Jewish history. Indeed the deeds of the fathers are the signposts for the children.

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