VOLUME 111 NUMBER 7
Tamuz 13, 5784
July 19, 2024
PARSHAS BALAK
Candlelighting Time 8:06 PM

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! En route his donkey encounters unbeknownst to Bilaam an angel blocking his path. He laughingly has an exchange with his donkey threatening to kill him for his obstinance. Quite a scene when he was hired to curse an entire nation yet his own source of transportation is compromised beyond his control. Finally the donkey magically talks and chastises him that he wants to destroy a people that celebrate the three festivals of the year. There are many mitzvos that we fulfill why was this the essential theme that defines us that created such a grievance against Bilaam?

Chasam Sofer has an incredible insight that clearly explains this criticism. The Talmud clarifies that Bilaam’s modus operandi was to utilize that moment when Hashem is ‘angered’ by those who worship idols and then curse his enemies. The Talmud further notes that when Hashem is angered we are liable for punishment when we do not fulfill the positive commandments properly. Clearly abstention from transgressing negative commandments doesn’t have levels of accomplishment. Either you obey or disobey. However, when we discuss positive commandments, it is a different situation because one can be lackadaisical in attending to the mitzvah. Or one can fulfil the mitzvah in its entirety. That inadequacy in performing mitzvos can trigger a response from the Heavenly Court that would be to our disadvantage. Of course, repentance is always acceptable. However, during the times of the Beis Hamikdash one could offer a burnt sacrifice as an atonement. In the desert they did not bring such an offering on a regular basis but they did bring such an offering when it was Yom Tov. There is a mitzvah on Yom Tov to ‘greet’ Hashem with a burnt sacrifice. In doing so the lack of performance for a positive commandment is mitigated. And if they would have offered to Hashem such a sacrifice in the desert they would have been shielded from Bilaam’s attempted curse. Therefore, the donkey mentioned this mitzvah specifically because this was the antidote to counter the curse at the time of Hashem’s anger. 

Perhaps we can glean from this thought an approach that will give us clarity in these troublesome times. The global community has teamed up to indict us as murderers of innocent victims. Even though the IDF has gone to great lengths to avoid civilian casualties, in a war zone it is virtually impossible to avoid such tragic results. Furthermore, the criticism lodged against us that we are starving the unfortunate victims of this war is totally unfounded although we continue to be blamed by the ‘stately’ organizations of the UN. Why is all this occurring?

Perhaps we are to blame for our shortcomings in serving Hashem. Hashem’s anger has permeated the very environs of this world and if we will attempt to rectify our faults and implore the Heavens for sympathy and compassion maybe we will merit Divine empathy and clemency to assist us in these difficult times. 

A BYTE FOR SHABBOS

The Chofetz Chaim would rail against the nations of the world. When a Jew is in desperate need of help he turns to Hashem to bless him and thereby save him. When the nations of the world have a worrisome situation they curse their adversary instead of seeking Divine assistance.

GOOD SHABBOS
WE STAND ON THE PRECIPICE OF THE DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM. TUESDAY IS THE FAST OF THE 17^TH DAY OF THE MONTH OF TALMUZ NOT JUST COMMEMORATING THE RAVAGING OF OUR CITY BY THE ENEMY AT THAT TIME BUT REALIZING THAT TIME IS CYCLICAL WE RELIVE THAT HORRIBLE EVENT YEARLY. OUR INSIDES SHOULD CHURN WITH PAIN AND AGONY KNOWING THAT THIS TIME OF THE YEAR IS AN EXTREME DOSAGE OF DIFFICULTY FOR OUR NATION. THE EVENTS OCCURING IN ERETZ YISROEL ARE AN EXTERNAL EXPRESSION OF THE INNER TURMOIL CONSUMING OUR PEOPLE. IY”H WE SHOUD WITNESS THE END OF OUR EXILE SOON AND MERIT TO GREET MOSHIACH IN OUR DAYS.