The Goodness of the Avot and Their Great Reward \ Parashat Balak
D'var Torah: "May I die the death of the upright" (BaMidbar 23:10). In this verse, Bilam requests that he die like "the upright." Meaning he wanted the great spiritual reward in the World to Come, like the holy Avot, Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaacov. Although Bilam reached unparalleled heights of prophecy, he was sorely lacking integrity in his relationships to his fellow man. He was bent on destroying an entire nation, even though they did him no harm him, whatsoever. His immoral behavior and lack of respect for HaShem's creations precluded him from meriting the reward of the upright. Conversely, our holy Avot excelled in loving kindness, pleasant character traits, and respect for each and every person. Moral: There are two aspects of spirituality: one is based on a person's relationship with HaShem and the other is based on his relationship with his fellow man. Regardless of Bilam's spiritual powers, his total lack of human decency awakened nothing but disdain in the eyes of HaShem. Whereas, the love of the Avot for others and their good deeds, merited them to find immeasurable blessing in this world, as well as, the eternal World to Come.
Application: Envision Bilam reaching a great level of prophecy. Note how he disrespects all the creatures of HaShem, and how his heart is filled with negative character traits and bad deeds. Imagine the respect the Avot hold for their fellow man, their loving-kindness, and their joyful countenance. Strive to emulate the goodness of the Avot and merit to receive HaShem's most wonderful blessings and rewards. (Based on the writings of the Netziv) |
L"N R' Yochanon Mordecai ben Ephraim and Moras Esther Leah bas Yehudah Yoseph
Refuah Shleimah
Yochanon Baruch ben Fruma Ettta
Riva bas HenyaZivia bas RaizelLeah Hadassah bas Michal ChanaChava Bas Michal ChanahChaya Harriet Bat Sophie Lee Mazal Malkah Mollie Bas Sarah Yakir Efraim Ben Rachel Devora
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