Hello and welcome to the Spark Torah podcast! I am Chana Miriam Bouskila and today we will be learning parsha Chukat. Parshat Balak

This week we continue our exploration of the double portion Chukat-Balak by turning our attention to one of the Torah’s most fascinating stories: the attempts of Bilaam to curse the Jewish people and the blessings that emerged instead.

We begin with a story about the Apter Rav and the mitzvah of Ahavat Yisrael (love of one’s fellow Jew), using it as a lens through which to understand the deeper message of Parshat Balak.

As the Israelites camp on the plains of Moav, King Balak becomes fearful of their growing strength and hires the prophet Bilaam to curse them. What follows is a remarkable series of encounters that reveal the limits of human power, the sovereignty of Hashem, and the unique relationship between Hashem and the Jewish people.

Topics discussed: The story of the Apter Rav and the importance of Ahavat Yisrael, why Balak feared the Israelites, the character of Bilaam and his reputation as a prophet, Balak’s attempts to hire Bilaam to curse Israel, Hashem’s control over Bilaam’s words and actions, the famous episode of Bilaam and the talking donkey, the contrast between human plans and divine will, Bilaam’s blessings and their enduring significance, ”Mah Tovu” and its place in Jewish prayer, seeing the good in others rather than focusing on faults, the power of perspective and how we choose to view the world, lessons in humility, faith, and trust in Hashem.

Questions or comments? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this week’s parsha and what stood out to you most.

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