Parshas Balak 5765

Commentary by Rabbi Ephraim Nisenbaum

Balaam was a gentile prophet. The Talmud mentions that in some ways his prophecy was comparable to that of Moshe. Yet, the contrast could hardly be greater. Whereas Balaam’s greatness actually contributed to his corruption, Moshe’s greatness only enhanced his character.

The Talmud contrasts Balaam’s character to that of Abraham.. Balaam was the prototype of the three central negative traits: jealousy, lust and arrogance. Abraham personified the exact opposite: satisfaction with his lot-both materially and physically, and a paradigm of humility.

Balak, the king of Moab, asked Balaam to curse the Jewish nation. In return, he offered him large sums of money and honor. Balaam conferred with G-d who refused to let him go. Balaam, however, told Balak’s messengers that he would not go with them because it was beneath his dignity to follow lowly servants. Here we see an example of Balaam’s arrogance. Balak sent higher officials with even greater promises of wealth to entice Balaam.

Although G-d had already told Balaam that he should not go, his desire for wealth and honor drove him to make the request a second time, hoping that perhaps G-d would change his mind. G-d agreed that Balaam could go, but he could only say whatever G-d would allow him to say. The Talmud sees in this change that a person is led in the way he desires to go, both positively and negatively.

When Balaam finally realized that he would not be able to curse the Jewish people, he advised Balak to entice the nation to act immorally. Knowing that the G-d of Israel does not tolerate immorality, and that the foundation of the Jewish people’s holiness is based upon their high standards of morality, Balaam understood that this would incur G-d’s wrath against the people. Balak followed this advice and sent young women to entice the Jewish soldiers. As a result of this, G-d’s anger was indeed aroused and many Jews lost their lives in a plague. The Rabbis see in Balaam’s advice a reflection of his own licentious character.

Although Balaam may have been granted great spiritual gifts, his evil character earned him a place in infamy rather than recognition. A person who does not develop his character properly lacks the ability to use his spiritual gifts, and they can become a source for spiritual destructiveness rather than an asset.

“Balaam rose in the morning and said to the officers of Balak…G-d refuses to let me go with you...” (Num. 22:13)

Rav Elchanan Wasserman, despite his position as a great Rosh Yeshiva, was extremely humble. The Slonimer Rebbe once sent a message that he would like to set up a meeting with Reb Elchanan about a communal issue. Reb Elchanan immediately went to the Rebbe, though he was his senior by 37 years.

At the K’nessia Gedola in 1937, many Torah leaders met regarding various issues. At one important meeting, an announcement was made that the meeting was only for Rabbanim and Chassidic leaders. Reb Elchanan slipped out with the other lay leaders. When one of the rabbis asked him why he had left, as his advice was greatly respected, he replied simply, “Didn’t you hear the announcement? I am neither a Rav nor a Chasidic leader.”

Did You Know...

One may not recite any prayer in the presence of a person who is improperly clad. In extenuating circumstances, a person may turn his face away and then recite the blessing or prayer. It is also forbidden for a person to recite any prayer if he is unclothed.

As a rule, the authorities say that one should dress for prayer in a manner befitting an appearance before an important person in that society. Many people are careful to wear a jacket and hat as a sign of respect. Even when one is ill, he should make an effort to dress properly before reciting prayers.