Parashah Roundup: Balak 5770

by Steve Brizel

The Mission and Message of Bilaam

R Yitzchak Etshalom explores how Bilaam became Bilaam HaRasha: link

R Zvi Sobolofsky explains why Bilaam, who listened to HaShem, is described as Bilaam HaRasha: link

R Avraham Gordimer discusses the fear of Balak: link

R Berel Wein and R Shlomoh Riskin compares and contrasts Moshe Rabbeinu , Avraham Avinu, and Bilaam HaRasha: link 1, link 2

R Yissocher Frand explains why Bilaam was not shocked when his donkey spoke to him: link

The Nesivos Shalom, as explicated by R Yitzchak Adlerstein, explains why Dveikus is the antidote to the message of Bilaam: link

R Avigdor Nevenzal explains why HaShem silenced Bilaam: link

R Sir Jonathan Sacks discusses why “no” was the most important word that Bilaam learned during his mission: link

R Aharon Lichtenstein and R Ephraim Buchwald remind us that the uniqueness and separateness described by Bilaam are of contemporary value: link 1, link 2

R Asher Weiss , R Hershel Schachter, and R Yonsasan Sacks, discuss Kedushas Beis HaKnesses and Kedushas Beis HaMedrash: link 1 (audio), link 2, link 3 (audio), link 4 (audio)

R Michoel Zylberman discusses the prohibition of Lo Sisgodedu in the context of divergent halachic practices in the same synagogue: link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio)

R Joshua Flug discusses the treatment and disposal of religious items: link

R Baruch Simon illustrates the elements of Kedusha in a Jewish home: link (audio)

R Chaim Eisenstein discusses Bilaam’s one-eyed perspective: link (audio)

R Daniel Z. Feldman illustrates how Kavod HaBriyos was demonstrated even with regards to the punishment meted out to Bilaam: link (audio)

R Asher Brander illustrates why we must live and transmit Judaism via our inner fires and passion and discusses another praise of Bilaam that is part of the Mussaf for Rosh HaShanah: link 1, link 2

R Dovid Gottlieb discusses the Halachos of Kanaim Pogim Bo and Krias Shema AlHaMitah: link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio)

Kiruv Rchokim and Chizuk Krovim Department

R Aaron Soloveitchik ZL discusses the implications, amplifications and pitfalls of engaging in outreach: link (audio)