Jewish Things & Thoughts in Harrison NY For the Week of June 29nd – July 5h Tamuz 1st to Tamuz 7th parasha Balak

We would like people to be aware of some of the Jewish things and thoughts taking place in Harrison NY.

Here is a Jewish thought.

This week we read the Tora portion (“parasha”) known as “Balak” (Numbers 22:2-25:9).  There are several valuable lessons we can learn from this week’s parasha. 

Although this week’s parasha is titled Balak, the main character is Bilam.  The parasha is named Balak to teach an important lesson.  Balak was afraid that the Children of Israel (“Beni Yisroel”) would attack his nation so he asked Bilam to curse Beni Yisroel.  Instead, Balak should have asked that his nation be blessed.  Even if we think that others want to hurt us we should not ask that they be hurt.  Rather, we should ask that we are protected.  Balak showed the worst attitude possible.  He showed that the thing he cared most about was hurting others.  We learn in the Talmud (Brachot 10a) from Rabbi Meir and his wife that we should not pray that a sinner die but rather that he stop sinning.

The parasha also reminds us that G-d’s (“HaShem”) plans can never be frustrated.  HaShem tells Bilam not to go with the messengers that Bilam sent.  Bilam insisted on going and HaShem says he can go but only say that which HaShem will communicate.  Yet, when Bilam goes with the messengers he goes with the intention of cursing Beni Yisroel.  Along the way HaShem warns Bilam against this plan not only by sending an angel but by endowing Bilam’s donkey with the power of speach.  Still Bilam tries to curse Beni Yisroel.  Ultimately HaShem takes control and turns the curses to blessings.  The lesson is simple.  In the end HaShem’s plans will always come to pass.  If we resist doing HaShem’s will we will lose.  HaShem told Bilam what to do by direct communication.  HaShem tells us what to do through the Tora.  If we, so to speak, want to be on the winning team, we should follow HaShem by following the Tora.

The Young Israel of Harrison, New York (YIOH) is a Modern Orthodox synagogue offering an intimate religious and communal experience.  Sabbath morning services begin at 9 am, mincha/maariv services on Friday and Saturday vary with sundown, and services on Sunday morning are held at 8 am.  For those who would like more information or would like to spend Shabbos in the area, visit the Young Israel of Harrison’s website at www.yioh.org or email Yiohnews@aol.com

Rabbi Bienenfeld gives weekly Talmud and Chumash classes at 7:00 pm on Monday and Tuesday evenings, respectively.  Please check the calendar posted on YIOH.org to confirm the schedule.

© W. Fraenkel 2014