Parashat Balak: Unveiling Our Blessings

Good morning, dear friends. Despite a busy schedule, I wanted to share some nourishment for the neshama — a message of hope and insight for this Shabbat.

First, some joyful news: Baruch Hashem, a grandson was born this week in America! As we know, the birth of a new child brings blessings and yeshuot to the entire family — may it be so for all of us.

This week, I was reflecting on Parshat Balak — and one powerful question kept coming to mind: Why did Hashem allow the entire episode of Bilam’s attempted curse of Am Yisrael? It was a private affair between Balak and Bilam — had Moshe Rabbeinu not recorded it, we would never have known!

Yet our Sages teach that this story is preserved to reveal the immeasurable love that Hashem has for His people — to show us that He continually transforms curses into blessings. May we merit to see this transformation in our lives and in the world today!

Our Heritage of Faith and Strength

When Bilam’s curses are miraculously turned into blessings, he declares:"Ki mi’Rosh Tzurim Erenu" — “For from the head of the rocks I see them.”

Chazal explain: “Rosh Tzurim” refers to the steadfast emunah of our forefathers — Avraham and Sarah.

• Their faith was as strong and immovable as rock.

• Because of their emunah, Hashem transcended nature on their behalf, granting them a child when it seemed impossible.

This is the “DNA” we inherit — a strength that is always within us. Even when life presents difficulties, we can tap into this deep well of faith passed down through the generations.

Bilam further proclaims: “Hen Am Levadad Yishkon” — “Behold, a nation that dwells alone.”

Avraham Avinu stood apart — on one side while the entire world was on the other. This trait of spiritual independence is our greatest strength:

• We live according to Torah values — not by comparison to other nations.

• We strive for kindness and peace — yet we remain true to our own path.

• The true tragedy is when we forget our own unique role and seek to assimilate.

Holding fast to our Jewish identity is one of our greatest blessings.

Daily Renewal: Rising Like a Lion

Bilam also declares:"Hen Am KaLavi Yakum" — “Behold, a nation that rises like a lion.”

Chazal explain that this refers to how a Jew begins the day:

• Rising with strength, intention, and gratitude.

• Beginning with Kriyat Shema and Modeh Ani said from the heart.

• Infusing each tefillah with kavana and sincerity.

When we do this, we draw Divine strength. We need not fear those who oppose us — for if we live as “Am KaLavi Yakum”, Hashem will grant us victory, both spiritually and physically.

The Jewish Home: Source of Holiness

Bilam’s final blessing is one of the most famous:"Ma Tovu Ohalecha Yaakov, Mishkenotecha Yisrael" — “How goodly are your tents, O Jacob, your dwelling places, O Israel.”

Our Sages teach that this blessing refers not only to shuls, but even more so to the sanctity of the Jewish home:

• A home of integrity, tzniut, and kedusha.

• A place where the Shechina dwells between husband and wife.

• A source of spiritual influence for the entire world.

Even the smallest acts of holiness within our homes ripple outward — affecting our community and all of Am Yisrael. A home centered on Torah is like a tree by water — constantly nourished and growing. Torah elevates us, purifies us, and empowers us to bring more goodness into the world.

The Danger of Spiritual Breaches

Sadly, after all these blessings, we read of the terrible sin of Peor. Bilam, unable to curse us directly, advises Balak to entice the Jewish men with immorality — knowing that “Elokim Shel Eileh Sonei Zima” — the G-d of Israel despises corruption.

And so a tragic fall occurs: enticement, wine, and eventually open sin with the Midianite women.

How could this happen — a holy nation, living beside the Mishkan, guided by the Clouds of Glory?

Chazal teach: “LePetach Chata’at Rovetz” — sin crouches at the door. Even a tiny opening allows the Yetzer Hara to enter:

• One small compromise can lead to more.

• One careless act can breach our spiritual walls.

This is why the fast of Shiva Asar B’Tammuz marks not the destruction itself, but the breach of the walls — the beginning of decline. In our personal lives too, we must guard against small breaches — for they can lead to great losses, chas v’shalom.

Pinchas: Zeal for Holiness

Yet even in the depths of this fall, salvation came through Pinchas. With zealous courage, he defended Hashem’s honor — and through his act, he merited to become Eliyahu HaNavi, remembered for eternity.

As we approach the Three Weeks, now is the time to strengthen ourselves:

• To remember we are “Am Levadad Yishkon” — a unique nation with a unique mission.

• To infuse our homes and lives with kedusha.

• To rise each day like lions in service of Hashem.

A Story of Redemption

I’d like to close with a beautiful story about the power of saving another Jew:

About 40 years ago, a Jew in Canada came to the Tosher Rebbe in Montreal, saying he was giving up his Yiddishkeit. He had raised a large sum of money abroad, only to have it stolen — and he blamed another Jew.

Distraught, the Rebbe said nothing. The next day, a stranger approached this man on the street and returned the exact sum of money! The Jew, overwhelmed, returned to the Rebbe in tears and resolved to remain in the community.

Decades later, he learned the truth: the man had never seen him at the airport. The Rebbe himself had given him the money and sent him to find this Jew — to save his soul from despair.

As we enter these weeks of reflection and renewal, may we too seek to guard ourselves from breaches, to strengthen our emunah, and to uplift one another with love and integrity.

Wishing you a beautiful, uplifting Shabbat. May we share only simchas and good news!