Parashat Balak

As the curtain falls on a particular life story, the instinct is to construct a narrative that amplifies their better qualities.

The story of King Balak and Balaam demonstrates that truly seeing others is what allows fears to dispel.

The prophet Balaam's curse, which becomes a blessing, is a reflection of the relationship between God and the Israelites.

What Balaam's donkey and under-represented minorities have in common.

We cannot slip into loopholes and forego responsibility.

How to learn from biblical nature imagery.

Pinchas saw the relationship of an Israelite and a Midianite as a curse--but perhaps he, like Balaam, could have turned it into a blessing.

Balak intuited an important truth about the Israelites: Their strength was spiritual, not military.

Cursing and blessing the Israelites.

The Israelites' dwellings in the wilderness provide us with a model for ensuring the existence and dignity of housing for all members of society.

Like Balaam, we should open our eyes to seeing the problematic paths we take in life.

Balaam's death by sword at the hands of the Israelites is ironic retribution for his verbal power over them.

Unlike Jewish prophets, Balaam was merely a mouthpiece for the word of God, not an active participant.

He came to curse, and ended up reciting a blessing so beautiful it is prominent in our liturgy.

Unlike Abraham, Bil'am failed to examine his own prayers and intentions, attributing their failure to his location of prayer.

Jealousy can paralyze us and force us to define ourselves by another person's successes.

The stabbing.

Balak: A resource for families

God tells the people of Israel what He really wants.

Learn more about the weekly Torah portion.