The well-known declaration that we have used for generations voicing our undying passion and love for Hashem is found in this parsha. Shema, which many of our nation have cried out before sacrificing their lives to sanctify Hashem encompasses a tremendous commitment and devotion accepting Hashem as the omnipotent king of the entire universe.
We are in the midst of one of the greatest calamities of all time, the loss of our Batei Mikdash. Both were destroyed on the same day, Tisha B’av, not a coincidence. When the spies debunked the idea of going to Eretz Yisroel and the entire nation wept bitter tears, they ripped out their innermost attachment to Eretz Yisroel.
The end of the parsha is a tremendously lengthy discussion of the different sacrifices that we must offer to Hashem. Of course, we must wonder why this discussion is mentioned at this point? Rabbeinu Bachya explains that when Moshe realized that he was not going into Eretz Yisroel he needed to inform them of these important matters, attending to the service in the Mishkan and later the Beis Hamikdash.
Bilaam finally ‘convinces’ Hashem that he should be allowed to accompany the entourage sent by Balak to curse the Jewish nation. He is warned not to say anything except that which Hashem permits him to but he erroneously believes that he can ‘outsmart’ the Master of the Universe, a common mistake that many evil people make!
This week’s parsha introduces a novel concept that is really incredibly difficult to comprehend. In fact, it is so complex that even the great mind of King Solomon, the wisest of all men could not grasp this mitzvah. Our Sages tell us that only Moshe was able to fully understand the depth of this mitzvah.