Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

In Parshat Balak, the second of the double Parsha this Shabbat, the Moabite emperor Balak hears of the miracles befalling the people of Israel during their wilderness journey. Does he fear them? Is he simply anti-Israel? In any event, he commissions the heathen Prophet Bilam, a well known authoritative voice at the time. Bilam is hired to observe the people of Israel and curse them.

On two occasions Bilam is unable to curse. On the third attempt, he not only refrains from cursing, but he offers words of praise. He is unable to see any fault. On reflection, he sees only the good of Israel.

Today, many nations curse Israel, the people and its homeland, without any real thought. Upon a deeper truer reflection, maybe they would hold back their curses, or even offer praises for the good that Israel shares with the world.

In one's personal experience, how often do people curse others without any thought. Upon a deeper truer reflection, maybe they would hold back their curses, or even offer praises for the good that the other person embodies.

The lesson of Bilam has implications for nations and individuals for making a better world in which to live.

Rabbi Howard Morrison