Who Get's the Credit? \ Parashat Balak
D'var Torah: "If there was a sword in my hand I would kill you now!" (Bamidbar 22:29)). Bilam burned with anger and malice towards his donkey because his donkey refused to go forward. Little did Bilam know that an angel of mercy was blocking the path so that Bilam should not sin and be destroyed. HaShem opened the mouth of the donkey and she said to Bilam, "You can't kill me without a sword. Yet, you want to destroy an entire nation with your tongue?" Bilam was silenced by the rebuke of his donkey and had no words to answer back. Prior to this humiliating event, Bilam's ego had pushed him to take the credit for his own unique powers. Now, at this event, the donkey opened Bilam's eyes to realize that HaShem, alone, is the Source of all man's power and success.
Moral: The more credit man gives to himself for his success, the less he lets HaShem into his life. Whereas, a spiritual person realizes that his very existence and everything that he accomplishes comes from HaShem, alone.
Application: Envision Moshe Rabenu standing on Mount Sinai, receiving the Torah from HaShem. Moshe Rabenu is clearly aware that Hashem is revealing the Torah and giving him the capacity to understand the deep concepts of Torah wisdom. In his absolute humility, Moshe realizes that he has no ability to understand the Torah without HaShem's kindness and compassion. Experience the humility of Moshe Rabenu and be aware that HaShem, alone, is the Source of all success. Reflect on the truth that the more you give the credit to HaShem, the more HaShem will bless you with success in all of your endeavors. (Based on the commentary of Rashi to the Chumash) |
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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