Moab is trembling, worried that the Israelites are coming for them. (Do you ever worry needlessly?) They seek to hire Balaam to curse the Jews. G-d gives Balaam three no's: don't go, don't curse them, and, no-thank-you, they don't need your blessings.
What's so terrible about a blessing from Balaam? And in the end, doesn't Balaam in fact bless the people?

Moab is trembling, worried that the Israelites are coming for them. (Do you ever worry needlessly?) They seek to hire Balaam to curse the Jews. G-d gives Balaam three no's: don't go, don't curse them, and, no-thank-you, they don't need your blessings. What's so terrible about a blessing from Balaam? And in the end, doesn't Balaam in fact bless the people?

Balak Part 1: Beware the Blessing of a Balaam

A live class on various topics in Torah, exploring the rich wisdom of Judaism, from biblical stories to Talmud, from Maimonides to Chasidic thought. Class is given by Rabbi Yosef Marcus, director of Chabad NP and editor of the Kehot editions of the Pirkei Avot, Haggadah, Psalms, and Megillat Esther. Visit www.chabadnp.com for more info and to support the class. For questions or comments, email rabbi@chabadnp.com.

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Balak Part 1: Beware the Blessing of a Balaam

Balak Part 1: Beware the Blessing of a Balaam