Author: Shlomo Bar-Ayal

In Balak’s mind life is a zero-sum game. If Israel succeeds, then Moab is finished. Therefore, he has to stop Israel at any cost. This is the story of anti-Semites throughout history. The Torah relates it so show us how wrong they are.

There is a question about whether or not Bilaam was evil or not. For those who believe that he was essentially good the problem was that he was persuaded by the money that Bakak gave him.

In this week’s portion we meet Balak and Bilaam. What is interesting is that the action takes place away from the Jews. This teaches us that God is protecting us even when we are totally unaware of the dangers around us.

The Hebrew translation of the United States is “The Lands Of The Agreement.” This is different from most other languages. The reason is that Jews recognized the uniqueness of the US and its foundation.

The were commanded not to go to war with Edom and Moab even though they were denied passage through their lands. One of the reasons is you do not go to war when there are valid alternatives.

When Miriam dies the well dries up.  The people were not aware that they had water in her merit.  This teaches us that there are many people who do a job that without their efforts we would not be able to exist but we do not know who they are.

The difference between Moses and Korach was their motivations. Korach was ego driven. Moses didn’t care who got the credit.

Korach made his power grab based on a misinterpretation of the state that “You will be Holy.” The statement goes on to say that the Jews will be holy if they follow God’s commandments. That they were not holy just because of their birth.

When we read about the commandment of Tzitzit we are told that it is to remind us to follow God’s commandments. And that it is a reminder that the commandments are the reason we were taken out of Egypt.

One of the issues we have are nay sayers. These are people who claim you cannot do anything. When asked why, they reply that it has never been done before. We learn not to be such especially when we follow God’s plans.