Balak

Numbers 22:2 – 25:9

Key Takeaways

(1-Minute Read)

WHAT HAPPENED

King Balak of Moab hires Balaam to curse the Israelites. Despite Balak's efforts, Balaam blesses Israel instead. Balaam's donkey speaks to prevent him from cursing Israel. The parsha ends with Israel's war against Midian.

KEY QUOTE

"How can I curse whom God has not cursed? And how can I denounce whom the Lord has not denounced? For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him. Behold, a people dwelling alone, and not reckoning itself among the nations."

— Numbers 23:8-9

KEY LESSON

God's blessings cannot be reversed by human curses, and true vision requires seeing others as God sees them.

3-Minute Summary

The Words of the Torah Explained with Help from Rashi and Ramban

Rashi (1040-1105) was a medieval French rabbi whose commentary on the Torah and Talmud is considered essential reading. His explanations focus on the plain meaning of the text and are known for their clarity and accessibility.

Ramban (1194-1270) was a Spanish rabbi, physician, and philosopher who provided deeper mystical and philosophical insights into the Torah, often building upon Rashi's work while adding his own profound interpretations.

Parsha Balak tells the story of King Balak of Moab, who fears the approaching Israelites and hires Balaam, a renowned prophet-for-hire, to curse them. Despite multiple attempts and sacrifices, Balaam finds himself blessing Israel instead of cursing them, recognizing God's protection and Israel's unique status.

The parsha contains the famous incident where Balaam's donkey speaks to him, seeing the angel of God that Balaam cannot see. This teaches about divine intervention and the importance of being open to wisdom from unexpected sources, even animals.

Balaam's blessings contain profound insights about Israel's relationship with God, their security, and their unique destiny among the nations. Despite being a non-Israelite prophet, Balaam becomes one of the greatest praisers of Israel in the Torah.

The parsha concludes with Israel's war against Midian, fulfilling God's command to punish them for their role in corrupting the Israelites.

Learn More

Dive deeper into Balak through various Jewish traditions and commentaries. Click on any section to expand and explore that perspective.

Lubavitcher Rebbe

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Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson (1902-1994), the seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe of Chabad, was a spiritual leader who emphasized bringing Jewish wisdom to the modern world through practical application and outreach.

Hillel the Elder

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Hillel the Elder (110 BCE - 10 CE) was a leading Jewish sage known for his patient teaching style and famous saying: 'What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor.'

Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks

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Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks (1948-2020) was the former Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom, known for making Jewish thought accessible to modern audiences through books and public speaking.

For Men & Women

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This perspective explores how the Torah's teachings apply differently to men and women, recognizing the unique spiritual roles and responsibilities of each gender.

Kabbalah

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Kabbalah is Jewish mysticism that explores the hidden, spiritual dimensions of the Torah through symbolic interpretation and meditation on divine emanations.

Halachic Codes

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Halachic codes are systematic compilations of Jewish law (halacha) that organize the Torah's commandments into practical guidelines for daily living.

Mishnah

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The Mishnah (200 CE) is the first major written collection of Jewish oral traditions, compiled by Rabbi Judah the Prince, forming the foundation of the Talmud.

Talmud

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The Talmud (500 CE) is the central text of Rabbinic Judaism, containing extensive discussions and debates about Jewish law, ethics, and philosophy.

Prophets & Writings

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This includes the books of the Prophets (Nevi'im) and Writings (Ketuvim), which provide historical context and spiritual insights that complement the Torah.