Hamaayan/The Torah Spring Edited by Shlomo Katz Parashat Balak Volume VI/Number 40 (274) 17 Tamuz 5752/July 18, 1992 "Bayamim Hahem, Bazman Hazeh" 17 Tamuz 1657 On this day, Noach first sent the dove to look for dry land (Ba'alei Hatosfot). The bird did not find a place to rest, and returned to the "Tevah" (ark). Later, Noach sent her again, and this time she returned with an olive branch, thus informing Noach that land could once again be seen. The Gemara (Sanhedin 108b) says that one species of bird did not eat during the flood because it did not wish to add to Noach's immense burden in feeding all the other animals. In appreciation, Noach blessed this bird with great longevity. It is therefore surprising that nowhere do we find any hint that Noach thanked or rewarded the dove which brought the good tidings that Noach would soon be freed from his "prison" in the Tevah. Why not? There is a common misconception that when one is performing a Mitzvah he is exempt from practicing good manners and common sense. [For example, some people carelessly push those who stand between them and kissing a Sefer Torah.] However, this view is incorrect, as we learn from a Midrash which says that the many species of grass which Hashem created did not obey His command to sprout until they had figured out the best place for each of them. Although Hashem had not commanded them to do so, the grasses "understood" that Hashem's Mitzvot are enhanced when they are accompanied by good sense. Noach's dove failed to appreciate this, for the Midrash says that the dove killed an olive tree in the process of bringing back its branch. For its lack of sensitivity to the way that if fulfilled its obligation, the dove lost the Tzaddik's blessing. (R' Natan Tzvi Finkel, the "Alter of Slobodka": Ohr Hatzafun I p. 61) ************************************ Parasha Overview This entire Parasha deals with Moav's attempts to destroy Bnei Yisrael, first through Bilam's curses, and then through enticing them to sin. Twenty-four thousand Jews died in the ensuing plague. Chazal say that the later plan was actually Bilam's idea. The Haftara (Micha 5:6-6:8) repeats these themes. (It is important to note that Moav had nothing to fear from Bnei Yisrael; Hashem had explicitly instructed the Jews not to wage war against that nation. Moav's action was motivated purely by the irrational hatred which so many nations have towards the Jews.) R' Naftali Tzvi Yehuda Berlin writes that when our enemies attack us, we should not look for their reasons, but we should examine what we did to deserve that fate. For example, Chazal say that the Bet Hamikdash was destroyed because of unprovoked hatred between Jews. Is that so? Wasn't the Bet Hamikdash destroyed as a natural consequence of the Roman Empire's quest for domination of the world? The answer is that the nations of the world can make all the plans they wish (whether motivated by anti-semitism or legitimate political goals), but if we are deserving, Hashem will protect us. That the Bet Hamikdash was destroyed therefore alerts us to some failing on our part. (Sh'eir Yisrael, section 2) ************************************ Pirkei Avot Rabbi Yosef ben Kisman said: "I will live only in a place of Torah." (ch.6) A Chassid once asked R' Moshe Midner whether he should leave the poverty of Lithuania and join the Jewish colony which Baron Hirsch proposed to establish in Argentina. R' Moshe responded, "Given in a choice would you live in a place which has both "Tzaddikim and "Reshaim" or a place which has neither, only plain Jews?" The Chassid did not respond, so R' Moshe explained, "One should always live in a place where there is a Tzaddik who can serve as a role model, even if that place also has many evil-doers. If one lives in a place whose inhabitants are neither righteous nor wicked - just ordinary - he will have no role models to follow, and the Rasha - the wicked side - which hides inside every person will show itself." (Mima'ayanot Hanetzach p. 347) ************************************ "And Hashem said to Bilam, 'Do not go with them ("Imahem")." (22:12) "And Hashem came to Bilam and He said, 'Arise, go with them ("Itam")'." (22:20) Why did Hashem change His mind? The Vilna Gaon explains that there is a difference between "Imahem" and "Itam" (although they both mean "with them"). The first implies going together for a common purpose, while the second suggests accompanying someone, but with a different goal in mind. At first Bilam wanted to fulfill Balak's request (to curse the Jews) because of the two men's mutual hatred for Bnei Yisrael, but Hashem would not permit it. Bilam, attracted by the large bounty which Balak offered, asked Hashem's permission again. Hashem then permitted Bilam to go, for the conspirators' lack of single-minded purpose doomed their designs to failure. (Kol Eliyahu) ************************************ "And Balak said, '....I brought you [Bilam] here to curse ("Lakov") my enemies, but instead, a blessing you have blessed ("Barech")'." (23:11) The Gematria of "Lakov" is 132; of "Barach" - 222. R' Akiva Eger observes that in an ordinary year there are 222 days on which "Tachanun" is recited, and 132 days when it is not. The latter group does not require Tachanun because it consists of days of mercy. The other days are times of judgement. Balak said: I hired you (Bilam) to curse the 132 days of mercy, but instead, you blessed the 222 days of judgement. (Torat Moshe) ************************************ "At that time it will be said by Yaakov and Yisrael, 'What has G-d done?'" (23:23) "Yaakov" usually refers to the ordinary Jew, while "Yisrael" refers to the Torah-leaders. Here Bilam prophesies that the events leading up to Mashiach's arrival will be so traumatic that not only the ordinary Jew, but even Torah scholars, will wonder: What has G-d done? (R' Yisrael of Ruzhin) ************************************ Torah Study A young Chassid was deeply involved in community service, and his efforts for the sake of his people forced him to travel frequently. One year, he spent Simchat Torah in Ger. At the conclusion of Yom Tov he went to take leave of the Rebbe (known as the "Imrei Emes"; 1866-1948). The latter asked him, "Do you have a fixed Torah-study session each day?" The Chassid replied that his community activities made such study impossible. The Imrei Emes told the man to return that evening when the other visitors had left. When he returned, the man found the Rebbe's table piled high with petitions, names of the sick, and telegrams of both private and public nature. "And I have time?" The Imrei Emes asked. The Chassid understood. The Rebbe bore on his shoulders the troubles and needs of thousands. Yet, it seemed as if he never stopped learning. Surely then, he, too, could find time in his hectic schedule to study Torah each day. A Chassid asked R' Mendel of Kotsk for a blessing that he merit sons who would study Torah with devotion. The Rebbe replied, "I suggest that you study Torah with devotion so that your sons will follow your example. If not, then your sons will do the same - request that their sons study Torah with devotion while they occupy themselves with other matters." (Reprinted with permission from For Love of Torah, pp.137-138) ************************************ The hard copy distribution of this weeks Hamaayan is sponsored by: The Koblin family in memory of mother and grandmother, Shaine Koblin Martin and Michelle Swartz in memory of Martin's grandfather, John Hofmann Rabbi and Mrs. Malka in memory of Mr. Yihia Malka ************************************ The learning schedule for this Shabbat is: Mishnah Yomit: Negaim 11:1-2 (Learn two Mishnayot every day) Halacha Yomit: OC/MB 444:6-8 (Learn three paragraphs every day) Daf Yomi: Yevamot 20 (Learn two sides of a page every day) Rambam Chapter/Day: Hilchot Aydut - Chapter 7 3 Chapters/Day: Hilchot Sechirut - Chapters 10-12 Sefer Hamitzvot Sh:N267,N268; Su:N219,P244; M:P244; Tu:P242; W:197,N234; Th:P142; F:N239 ************************************ Donations to Hamaayan are tax deductible