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Balak 2 "This entire Parasha deals with Moav's attempts to destroy Bnei Yisroel, first through Bilam's curses, and then through enticing them to sin. Twenty-four thousand Jews died in the ensuing plague. Chazal say that the later plan was actually Bilam's idea. The Haftorah (Micha 5:6-6:8) repeats these themes. (It is important to note that Moav had nothing to fear from Bnei Yisroel; Hashem had explicitly instructed the Jews not to wage war against that nation. Moav's action was motivated purely by the irrational hatred that so many nations have towards the Jews.) R' Naftali Tzvi Yehuda Berlin writes that when our enemies attack us, we should not look for their reasons, but we should examine what we did to deserve that fate. For example, Chazal say that the Bet Hamikdosh was destroyed because of unprovoked hatred between Jews. Is that so? Wasn't the Bet Hamikdosh destroyed as a natural consequence of the Roman Empire's quest for domination of the world? The answer is that the nations of the world can make all the plans they wish (whether motivated by anti-Semitism or legitimate political goals), but if we are deserving, Hashem will protect us. That the Bet Hamikdosh was destroyed therefore alerts us to some failing on our part. (Sh'eir Yisroel, section 2) "Bil'am said to his donkey, '[I hit you] because you embarrassed me; had I a sword in my hand, I would even kill you now'." (23:29) Look what happens to one who seeks honour, observed R' Berel Soloveitchik, zatz'l (died 1981). In the end, he demands honour even from his donkey! He would even kill his donkey and walk, just so that it will not embarrass him. (Quoted in Shai laTorah p.193) "Yisroel settled in [a place called] 'Shittim' and the people began to commit harlotry with the daughters of Moav." (25:1) Rav Tzadok haKohen writes: The name "Shittim" implies "shtut"- foolishness. This is the trait that leads to immorality. The cure for foolishness and immorality is Torah study. Symbolising this is the fact that the Aron (ark) which housed the Tablets was made of shittim (acacia) wood. (Machshevot Charutz p.14) A Chassid of the Sar Shalom of Belz once came to him and asked that he bless him so that he should die as a Jew. The Sar Shalom reply, "this was what Bil'am asked, "let me die the death of the upright, and let my end be like his!" A Jew however, strives to live as a Jew. If you will live as a Jew you will merit to die as a Jew." Similarly, a Chassid asked Reb Mendel of Kotsk for a blessing that he merit sons who would study Torah with devotion and commitment. The Rebbe replied, "I suggest that you study Torah with devotion so that your sons will follow your example. If you do not, then your sons will do the same as you - they will request blessings that their sons study Torah with devotion and commitment - while they occupy themselves with other matters." |
