How do non-Jews view the Jews? Rabbi Kahn analyzes the qualities that Abraham bestowed on his descendants, and how Balak desperately tried to undermine their influence and crush their strength of character. Through which weakness was he able to cause the Jewish nation a terrible fall, and why was his plan able to work?
It was the last point in the desert journey, with the Land of Israel beckoning on the horizon. The people had reached the tremendous spiritual heights necessary to leave the desert, and their terrible downfall with the Golden Calf behind forever. And then they fell in a terrible way - again. How did their agonizing spiritual tumble shake the faith of their rock-steady leader Moses, and permanently demolish his chance of ever being able to enter the Holy Land?
Some Divine decrees were given, but how come reasons were not given for the rational mitzvot? Are we really expected to do things we don't understand? Hear an interesting discussion on this thorny issue plus other insights from the weekly parsha - such as when the wandering Jews encountered the greatest non-Jewish prophet, Bilaam, and his multiple attempts to curse them in the desert.
One of the most poisonous attitudes a Jew can take on is a sense of apathy, and a desire to simply get the rituals out of the way so we can continue on with our lives. The enthusiasm that must surround Torah observance can be frightening – as it was to Moav. Why were they scared enough to attempt to curse the Jews, and how did Bilaam himself admit that our fire to serve G-d was something impossible to bring down?