By Rabbi Yisroel Shusterman
This week’s Parsha Perspective is dedicated in memory of Elka bas Zisel OBM
Dedicated in memory of Leah bas Rochel OBM
The evil prophet Bilam is hired to curse the Jewish
people--until G‑d miraculously transforms all his intended curses into
blessings. As he tries again and again to carry out his evil plans, we are
treated to some of the most elaborate language and imagery in the Torah.
We read in this week’s Torah portion Balak (Bamidbor
[Numbers] 22:2-25:9) a number of flowery phrases, prophesied by this Bilam,
enumerating the splendor of the Jewish nation and foretelling our future. We
hear the first references to Moshiach (Messiah) found in the Torah, contrasting
our eventual fate with that of our enemies. It is a fascinating Parsha, filled
with emblems and allegories.
Over the course of the text, we find two seemingly
contradictory ways of describing the Jews. “A star will shoot forth from Jacob”
is often understood to be a reference to Moshiach, but it can also be
interpreted as a description of the nation as a whole or the spark of Moshiach
in every Jew. The “shooting star” is obviously emblematic of the resplendent
beauty of our nation. We shine forth upon the world, illuminating all.
However, elsewhere Bilaam proclaims, “Who can count the
dust of Jacob?” which doesn’t sound quite as complimentary. Who wants to be
compared to dirt? Where is the grandeur and excitement of granules of crushed
earth? The only positive thing you can say about dust is that there is a lot of
it, but is that all we care for, quantity over quality?
On reflection, the symbolism of comparing the Jewish
nation to dust is actually quite apt. Buried deep within the surface of the
earth lie precious gems and valuable minerals. That which to the untrained eye
looks like a barren, desolate plain is in reality a repository of incredible
wealth. We extract these costly prizes at the cost of much pain and exertion,
sifting through the dross to uncover the beauty and worth that lies within.
Some people shoot forth like a star, illuminating their
surroundings with their brilliance and passions. Others seem far more
pedestrian at first, quieter in nature and trodden on by the crowds. However,
every Jew is precious and infinitely valuable. Sometimes you may have to make a
greater effort to reveal the beauty and wealth that lies beneath, but doing so
is always worth the effort.
(Excerpts from Chabad.org - by Rabbi Elisha Greenbaum)
May you have a meaningful and uplifting Shabbos!
If you would like to dedicate the weekly Parsha
Perspective in honor or memory of a person or occasion, please contact Rabbi
Shusterman at yshusterman@chedermonsey.org
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