Balak 5775 - English

It may seem strange that the inspirational words, “How beautiful are your tents, O Jacob, your dwellings, O Israel!” that begin our daily prayers were originally spoken by a foreigner who meant to curse the people of Israel in order to destroy them. 

Let’s look at the story.  Balak, the king of Moab was worried.  He had heard about the triumphant progress of the children of Israel through the desert, and he became convinced that in little time his kingdom would be invaded by them. 

The king summoned Balaam, a gentile sorcerer prophet, and asked him to curse the Jewish people. 

Balaam arrived at the appointed time with the full intention of carrying through his task.  Yet suddenly, from the top of a hill, he saw the Israelite camp and was so impressed by it that he found it impossible to fulfill his word. 

To the surprise and horror of the king, Balaam could only spread blessing upon blessing over the children of Israel.

When the sages wonder what it was that Balaam saw that moved him to such an extent and led him to such a dramatic twist so as to foretell a glorious future for Israel, they answer: he perceived the spiritual fortitude of the people in their sanctuaries and in their homes (“tents” and “dwellings” represent the houses of study and synagogues according to the Midrash).

The people in that region believed in Balaam’s powers, both his ability to curse and his ability to bless.  People then wonder why the king did not ask for a blessing for his own people instead of cursing Israel. 

History has shown time and again to what point the enemies of Israel have preferred our annihilation, even at the expense of their own people, instead of focusing on constructive works that could benefit everyone. 

From the king of Moab in ancient times to the Hamas of our days, we find this tendency so full of hatred and boundless moral blindness.  

We may find some comfort in knowing that in the long run the curses have no effect and, on the contrary, like a boomerang, they affect mainly those who bred them in their hearts. 

As we reread this Parashah, we evoke the power of Blessing as a spiritual path, as an inspiring force that our ancestors found in their temples and in their homes that allowed them to survive over 2000 years of persecution, suffering, and afflictions. 

Ma Tovu… How beautiful are your tents… yesterday, today, and forever! 

Rabbi Daniel Kripper