Finding Blessings Amidst Curses (Balak)

In Parashat Balak, we encounter the non-Israelite prophet Balaam, hired by King Balak of Moav to curse the Israelites. Though often portrayed in Jewish interpretative texts as a charlatan, the Torah itself presents Balaam as a significant figure, capable of connecting with God through prophecy (Num. 22:9-12). The Mishnah suggesting that he will not have a place in the world to come (mSan 10:2), further demonstrating his prominence in Jewish thought long after the biblical context had ended.

Balaam’s story is compelling for many reasons, including the most famous: despite being hired to curse the Israelites, he ends up blessing them instead. One of his most famous proclamations is “Mah Tovu / How beautiful are your tents, O Jacob, (Num. 24:5),” a prayer traditionally recited by Jews upon entering synagogues to this day. This transformation from curse to blessing raises profound questions about intention and interpretation.

For instance, Balaam’s prophecy includes a verse that can be seen as both blessing and curse: “As I see them from the mountaintops, gaze on them from the heights, this is a people that dwells apart, not reckoned among the nations” (Num. 23:9). While the surface reading might seem like a compliment, suggesting Israel’s uniqueness, it also hints at isolation and alienation—a theme all too familiar in Jewish history.

Rashi interprets this verse as “a prerogative given by our ancestors,” indicating that Israel’s destiny for good comes with a sense of separateness. Yet, our foundational calling, starting with Abraham and Sarah, was to be a blessing for others (Gen. 12:2). We are meant to bring light to the nations, not to isolate ourselves.

Reflecting on more recent Jewish experiences of the world, including heightened global Antisemitism, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z”l eloquently noted that when “Jews fight for the right to be, whether as a nation in its historic home, or as a religious group in other societies, [we] fight not for [ourselves] alone but for human freedom as a whole. (A People that Dwells Alone?)” Our experiences often reflect broader human conditions, making our resilience and hope a beacon for others.

As we hold these powerful words, let’s remember that our goal – even when beset by violence we are called to forcefully defeat – is not to triumph over others but to live, love, and be a blessing in the world. We must remain steadfast in our prayers and actions, demonstrating fierce love for Am Yisrael, the Jewish People – and a commitment to peace.

Let’s channel the language of Balaam, transforming any intended curses into blessings. We know who we are—a people who wear our hearts openly, who pray, who strive to love. We will fight when necessary, but our ultimate aim is to be a blessing in the world. May our prayers and actions bring our family home, and may we continue to envision and work towards a world where peace and love prevail.