Dear Friends;

I hope you’ll enjoy the following Parsha summary followed by a Dvar Torah:

” Parsha in a nutshell ”

Balak, the King of Moab, summons the prophet Bilaam to curse the people of Israel. On the way, Bilaam is seemed to be betrayed by his donkey, who sees the angel that G-d sends to block their way before Bilaam does.

Three times, from three different vantage points, Bilaam attempts to pronounce his curses; each time, blessings are issue instead. Bilaam also prophecies on the end of the days.

The people fall prey to the charms of the daughters of Moav and are enticed to worship the idol Peor. When a high-ranking Israelite official publicly takes a Midianite princess into a tent, Pinchas kills them both, stopping the plague raging among the people.

” Dvar Torah ”

We are all fascinated by talking animals. Although we know that in reality it would never happen, but we still love to watch it in the movies and cartoons. Best selling animation movies have been made out of talking horses, elephants, ducks and mice. We find it amusing and relaxing. But in this week’s Parsha, we learn about a talking animal that is no joke. The Torah tells us about a talking animal that brought no laughter to its rider!

Balak the king of Moav, after seeing the devastating defeat of the Amorite kings against Benei Israel, he realized that Moav would not stand a chance confronting them military. Therefore, he decided to use a secret weapon; to curse the Benei Israel rather than to fight them. So he hired Bilaam, the greatest prophet that the gentile world had ever seen, for this important mission: to curse the Jews. Bilaam’s fake reluctance at the beginning, was quickly turned into excitement when offers of honors and great wealth were added to his rewards. So, first thing in the morning, he saddled his trusted donkey and was on his way. He planned to travel to an overlook, where he would cast his spell on the Jewish Nation as they camped innocently beneath the wicked gaze of King Balak.

But along the way, a miracle happens. As Bilaam’s donkey ambled toward a narrow passage, it saw a frightening sight. An angel with a sword, blocked its path. The beast turned off the road to the side, and Bilaam struck the animal to get it back on the road. But again the angel stood in the passageway and the poor donkey, in fear, squeezed tightly against a stone wall, pressing Bilaam’s leg against the wall. The great prophet, who was proudly riding his donkey, did not see the angelic figure and reacted violently. Again he hit his donkey; this time harder . But the angel did not retreat. He began approaching the donkey and its rider. Suddenly the donkey crouched in panic, and Bilaam struck it again. But this time the donkey did not act like a mule. She spoke up. Miraculously, Hashem opened her mouth, and she asked Bilaam, “why did you hit me these three times? Aren’t I the same animal that you have ridden your entire life? Should not my strange behavior give cause for concern?”

When the angel, sword in hand, finally revealed himself to Bilaam, he was shocked and embarrassed for striking the innocent animal. He was left speechless, with only one thing to say: “I have sinned, for I did not know that you were standing opposite me on the road. And if you want, I shall return”.

What is disturbing is Bilaam’s immediate admission of sin. If he could not see the angel why did he admit guilt? Many riders would hit a donkey that presses their foot against the wall! Bilaam should have simply stated to the angel, “I did not know you were there and thought my beast was acting in a manner that required discipline.” Why the apology? If he truly did not know that the angel was there, why did he admit to sinning?

Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetsky has an interesting way to explain the Torah by telling a story: On one of the final days of the Six Day War the Israeli troops pierced through enemy fortifications and forged their way through the ancient passageways of Jerusalem. They had reached the Kotel HaMaravi, the Western Wall, the holiest place in Judaism, the site of both the First and Second Temples. The young men, some of whom had yeshiva education, others who came from traditional backgrounds, stood in awe and began to cry in unison. The Kotel had been liberated! One young soldier, who grew up on a totally secular kibbutz in the northern portion of the state gazed at the sight of his comrades crying like children as they stared up at the ancient stones. Suddenly, he, too began to wail. One of the religious soldiers, who had engaged in countless debates with him, put his arm around him and asked, “I don’t understand. To us the Kotel means so much. It is our only link to Hashem, to his Temple and the holy services.This is the most moving experience of our lives. But why are you crying?”

The young soldier looked at his friend, and amidst the tears simply stated, “I am crying because I didn’t feel the urge to cry!”

Bilaam, the greatest of gentile prophets, realized that something must be wrong. A simple donkey saw the revelation of an angel, and he did not! He realized that there are experiences he should have been able to grasp and appreciate. If he didn’t, it was not a donkey’s fault. It was not an angel’s fault. It was his fault. He realized then and there that it was he who was lacking. Although, Hashem sent the angel to block the donkey, but it was actually him who Hashem wanted to stop! Bilaam had sinned, because his greed for fortune and honor had blinded him to see the will of G-d!

Yes my friends, when we are faced with tragedies in life, we should see the Divine hand in it. When we are faced with difficulties in the path that we are going, we should stop and think what are we doing wrong?! Maybe Hashem is not happy with what we are doing?! Only when we realize what we are doing is wrong, only then, the vision of an angel standing in front of us will appear! Remember, that G-d doesn’t want to hurt us, and if we are faced with a tragedy, it’s only because Hashem wants to put us back on the right track!

Keep in mind that Hashem is watching over us the whole time. May we see the hand of G-d in the good times in our lives and not just in the time of tragedy!

Shabbat Shalom, Happy 4th of July & Regards;

Martin