Chapter 6
NOT FOR SALE (22:18)
Bilaam, seer of the ancient world and famous for his curses, was a sought after commodity. As always, the avaricious magician hired his services to the highest bidder. In this week’s Biblical reading, the client was Balak, King of Moav, who desperately sent his most honored ministers to the base and covetous prophet. Our Sages are critical of Bilaam. Here was a man blessed with gifts equaling Moses; an individual granted the keenest of insights into the ways that G-d rules His world. And what did Bilaam do with these spiritual skills? He sold them for a few shekels. read more »
Chorev's Cry (6:2)
“Rabbi Yehoshua Ben Levi said, 'Every single day a Heavenly echo emanates from Mount Chorev (another name for Sinai) proclaiming these words, “Woe to the people for the Torah's humiliation!” For whoever does not occupy himself with the Torah is called reprehensible.’” (Ethics of our Fathers 6:2) read more »
The Evolution of Humanity (6:2)
“The only true free man is he who occupies himself with the study of Torah.” (Ethics of our Fathers 6:2)
Most people wonder at the veracity of such a statement. “Can subjugation to Torah with all of its strictures be equated with freedom?” It can be argued that no one in our world is truly free. There are laws: the laws of nature, the rules of man, and the conventions of society. Simply stated, true freedom cannot exist, for no individual is completely free to do whatever he desires. read more »
