CBI Blogs

Some of you may recall that I spent 4 years in Rochester, New York before moving to Austin. I loved my time there, especially during the summer months. While the weather during the winter can make it somewhat unbearable to live there, the summer is incredible.

During my years as the assistant and later associate rabbi at Temple B’rith Kodesh, I had the privilege of leading Torah study every other week, much like I do at CBI. I had one congregant who would show up every Saturday morning, ready and excited to dive in. Without fail, he would begin each Torah study with the same words: “Rabbi, I’m so excited! We’re studying my favorite portion this week!”

He LOVED all of Torah. He found gems within each portion, something new and interesting to discover. He loved seeing the stories with different perspective. He genuinely felt like each portion was his favorite. It was sweet. It was admirable. And, I so wish I could feel that same love for every word found in our sacred scripture.

But, I can say with absolute certainty that this week really IS my favorite Torah portion, Parashat Balak! While this year we’re doubling up with Parashat Chukat, I only have eyes for Balak.

Why do I love this portion so much? Well, to start, it really doesn’t have anything to do with the Israelites. Yes, it’s about them, but it’s a peripheral story that gives a new perspective. Second, I always appreciate a story that showcases some serious magic. Really, it does! Balaam, the man hired to curse the Israelites attempts multiple times to fulfill his task, but each time the words mysteriously turn into blessings and praise. No matter how hard he tries, he just can’t form the words necessary for cursing the Israelites.

Third, and this is a big one, Balak has a talking donkey. I know it sounds like I’m referring to the now-classic animated film, “Shrek,” but there was a talking donkey long before Eddie Murphy voiced one. In Torah, the donkey serves as a vessel for an angel of God, an angel working to help Balaam make the right choice, urging him to give blessings and not curses, to turn away and be a better person.

Finally, I love this portion because it provides us with so many wonderful lessons. Sure, it would be simple enough to choose our words wisely or to listen to those around us trying to help us make good choices (like donkeys). But in reality, Parashat Balak is about all of those lessons and more. It’s about connecting with our fellow humans and getting to know our neighbors before jumping to conclusions about them. It’s about choosing blessings over curses, even if it’s the more difficult option. It’s about finding the strength to do the right thing.

Parashat Balak has many interesting insights, many of which give us new perspective on life. It’s my favorite portion for many reasons, and now perhaps it’s your favorite as well? If it’s not, which portion do you love? Or, like my congregant in Rochester, do you truly love them all? No matter what your answer, there’s always something to love from Torah, something to help you think a little more, something to consider. I hope you find what speaks to you.