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Beit Midrash
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- Balak
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Simha Bat Hana
The Ramban takes a straightforward approach to the latter phrase. Bilam was describing his vantage point to look onto Bnei Yisrael, which, as the Torah mentions, was from the peaks overlooking the eastern side of the Jordan Valley. From there, he was able to see, says the Ramban, that they were indeed a group who was different from other bands of tribes. They were united by a single Torah, which gave them a unique, joint mission, as the pasuk’s famous ending can be understood.
Rashi apparently was not satisfied that Bilam’s location was noteworthy enough to highlight in this context and gives the phrase a historical, spiritual twist. He slightly inverts the phrase (not unusual in "poetic" passages), explaining that the mountaintops and hills are what Bilam saw, not his vantage point. Rashi explains that they refer to the patriarchs and matriarchs, who were like high places. He too connects the different parts of the p’sukim, saying that it was in the forebears’ merit that Bnei Yisrael were able to dwell in solitude.
One can ask whether, according to the Ramban, there is anything particularly significant about Bilam’s location. Again, the Ramban says that Bnei Yisrael were assembled in their encampment, unified around the Torah. If Bilam were to have seen them from lower, he would have seen only part of the nation. Seeing a unified segment would not have meant as much. It is not so difficult to get small groups to band together to strive for lofty ideals. The greatness that Bilam saw was an entire nation, made of twelve tribes, who reached that level.
The Ibn Ezra, whose commentary generally focuses on the Torah’s straightforward meaning, gives a fascinatingly novel explanation. The heights refer to decrees that slope down from the Heaven, as nations subjugate Bnei Yisrael. One might expect them to try to fit in with the nation that has dominion over them, but they remain a nation that dwells alone. Many of us know the insight in the "V’hi She’amda La’avoteinu" section of the Pesach Hagadda. It is based on the claim that the fact that nations afflict us is what helps us survive. Indeed, the Jewish nation does not "throw in the towel" when it reaches a painful chapter in our history. Rather, we redouble our resolve to stay together and rebuild as a nation. Of course, the most striking, recent example of this historical phenomenon is our determination, after the Holocaust, to establish our beloved Jewish State of Israel.
May Hashem give us the strength to persevere through hard times and swiftly bring us to the era of good times for the rest of history.
![Bilam [No Nation] and Balak - Dealing with Domestic Strife](/SiteProjects/YeshivaModels/Logic/Images/spriteRszRound.jpg?pic=R-Londin.jpg&cacheVer=54){kind=icon}
Rabbis in Midrash
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
