YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Balak
Our Sedra of Balak is unusual, to say the least. First, Moshe, atypically, is not the central figure in the Parsha; he only appears at the very end. Bilaam, the Sedra’s key personality, is referred to as "Bilaam ha-Rasha," the evil one, & so it is strange in the extreme that he is given center stage & allowed to voice all his curses cum blessings for the bulk of the reading.
But there is another anomaly I’d like to focus on. If you look at this Parsha in a Sefer Torah, you will immediately notice that Bilaam’s narrative is written in "block form" without the usual open spaces (parsha "breaks") that are found in most Parshiyot. (Indeed, the very name of the sedra, "Balak" can be read, minus the vowels, as "block!").
What is the purpose of these open spaces? Chazal tell us that they are meant to give the reader pause, so we have time to consider the passage just read. The more difficult or involved the subject matter – the 10 Commandments, for the best example - the more open spaces there are.
The message here is that the Torah is not meant to be read robotically, by rote. We are meant to focus on each word & Pasuk and think carefully about their meaning & how it relates to us. By applying our own intelligence & thoughts, we can hopefully internalize the deep ideas imbedded in the Torah by Hashem.
One of the real blessings of the Corona lock-downs was that my Susie & I spent a long time each Shabbat slowly reading the Parsha & pondering it. Unlike in shul, where the Torah reading literally flies by, we could now dissect & discuss it at our leisure. What a joy that was – and is!
Bilaam uttered prophecies that were indeed Heaven-sent, & are a lasting part of our liturgy (think "Mah Tovu," or "Am k’lavi"). But Bilaam, sadly, did not ponder their deeper essence; he did not internalize their message & change his character. And so the "blessings" of Bilaam are written without spaces, as opposed to the Torah of Moshe, which has an abundance of breaks in the action.
I remember walking into the office of a day school principal many years ago, & on his desk was a sign with the letters, Chet, Shin, Vav & Vet. "Hmm" I thought, "that spells, 'Chashuv,' important! Is he really that conceited?!" But then he saw me looking at the sign & smiled, "It says Chashov!" he said. "That means, "Think!"
Having said all this, we can now complete that opening phrase: "I think, therefore I am... Jewish!"
Rabbi Stewart Weiss
Was ordained at the Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, Illinois, and led congregations in Chicago and Dallas prior to making Aliyah in 1992. He directs the Jewish Outreach Center in Ra'anana, helping to facilitate the spiritual absorption of new olim.
Jewish Laws and Thoughts Shul “etiquette:” can we honor Hashem while respecting our fellow congregants?
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
