בס”ד

In the Torah portion of Balak, Balak and Balaam wanted to harm the Jewish people. They made plans to curse them.

But Hashem did not allow it.

Every time Balaam tried to say a curse, beautiful blessings came out instead. The curses turned into blessings.

Balaam said:

“Those who bless Israel will be blessed, and those who curse Israel will be cursed.”

What can we learn from this?

Imagine a child at school who helps others. He shares his toys and is kind. Other children enjoy being his friend.

But if a child is mean and hurts others, children often do not want to play with him.

It is the same in the world. Hashem wants people to be good to one another. When people choose kindness and follow Hashem’s ways, they bring more blessing into the world.

The nations of the world can do this by keeping the Seven Noahide Commandments. These are the commandments Hashem gave for all people.

The message of Balak is simple:

Bad plans do not win.

Hashem makes sure that good will ultimately triumph.

No matter what people try to do, Hashem’s plan will be fulfilled.

That is why we trust Hashem and choose kindness, goodness, and peace.

By Rabbi Moshe Bernstein and Angelique Sijbolts


Source: Numbers 24:17, 24:9. Likutei Sichos Vol. 23 page 172. Tosafot Tractate Hulin 49a opening words: “I will bless those who bless you”. Genesis 12:3




If you want more questions for contemplation, SEE THE OTHER BLOGS FROM RABBI MOSHE BERNSTEIN

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