This week’s portion presents us with some interesting challenges. Balak has the famous story of the talking ass and Bilaam’s blessing of the Israelites instead of the curse which he was hired to deliver. The portion can raise the question of the ability of an animal to “see” things before a human and again, raises the question about the response of the Torah God to those who would deny God’s power or word. Finally, there is a powerful and disturbing story as the portion ends on Divine retribution brought against Israelites who again, turn away from the God of the Torah.
No doubt that when you get to your Torah study this Shabbat there will be some discussion on the challenges presented in the portion between blessing and curse. Is there some magical aspect of either? When we bless, or curse, what is the actual “power” that the words carry to the object of the words; or are the words really for our own benefit? Again, as the Tradition so often discusses, what are the power of the words we speak?
But there is another special message of this portion. It is to be found in this week’s Haftorah. From the Book of Micah we find a series of verses that parallel the blessing/curse narrative of Balak. Rather than end the passage in a story of idolatry as does Numbers 25:1-9), Micah’s section reminds us of a more chesed approach to life. Rather than turn to other gods or violence, Micah reminds us what is good inn life and how to live a life of meaning as described by our tradition: “Only to do justice, love kindness and walk modestly with God” (Micah 6:8)
As our world continues to spin out of control and as so many people seek some sense of meaning amid the chaos, it may be worthwhile this Shabbat to reflect on Micah’s words. We may not be able to control Covid, Ukraine, Iran, our economy and our politics; but this simple philosophy of life may be an answer for each of us. We can control our world and how we live in it. Micah’s words are a good foundation for us at this stage of life: justice, kindness and humility: not a bad way to live each day.
Shabbat shalom
Rabbi Richard F Address
Rabbi Richard F. Address, D.Min, is the Founder and Director of www.jewishsacredaging.com. Rabbi Address served for over three decades on staff of the Union for Reform Judaism; first as a Regional Director and then, beginning in 1997, as Founder and Director of the URJ’s Department of Jewish Family Concerns and served as a specialist and consultant for the North American Reform Movement in the areas of family related programming. Rabbi Address was ordained from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in 1972 and began his rabbinic career in Los Angeles congregations. He also served as a part time rabbi for Beth Hillel in Carmel, NJ while regional director and, after his URJ tenure, served as senior rabbi of Congregation M’kor Shalom in Cherry Hill, NJ from 2011-2014.
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