For the week of July 19

Our Torah portion “Balak” is given over to one incident. The Israelites have one more piece of territory to traverse before reaching the Jordan River crossing. Balak, sheikh of the Moabite territory, is fearful of defeating the Israelites. He hires a prophet-genius from the East, namely Balaam, to come and weaken Israel with his magical curses. But Balaam, for all of his powers, can only utter what God puts into his mouth. Thus his curses perforce turn into blessings, to King Balak’s consternation. That is the whole point of this narrative.

Four times Balaam blesses the people Israel. The most famous of his words begins as such: “how goodly are your tents O Jacob, your dwelling places O Israel.” These words begin every synagogue morning service throughout the year! The Sages taught that from these blessings one can deduce the original intention of Balaam’s curses. First, Israel would lose her sanctuary, her temple dedicated to God in Jerusalem; and secondly, Israel would be bereft of the benefit of a national homeland. So the Rabbis deduced that these predictions did come true, but nevertheless, we still maintain our synagogues: “how goodly are your tents, O Jacob,” i.e. your houses of worship.

Join us for a incisive Torah study this coming Shabbat.