Shabbat Balak, July 11-12 2008 / Tammuz 9, 5768
Shabbat times
- Fri Jul 11: Candle lighting 7.42 PM
- Sat Jul 12: Shabbat ends 8.44 PM
Thought for the week
Every morning, as we enter our places of prayer, we sing the words uttered by the evil prophet, Bilaam: How goodly are your tents Jacob; your dwelling places Israel. (Numbers 24:5) We must wonder why these words, despite their positive message, would enter our daily liturgy? After all, Bilaam was an enemy of Israel, hired by King Balak to curse the Jews, he seems a strange choice of author for our prayer.
The simple reading would suggest one answer for placing Bilaam at the start of our prayers. Just before expressing the poetic verses, the text reads that “the spirit of G-d settled upon him.” (ibid v 3) Though Bilaam the wicked expressed it, the words came from G-d. This then teaches that at prayerful moments, the focus is on the quality of the word rather than the character of supplicant. Surely, many of us carry regrets for words misspoken and deeds we wish undone; we all make mistakes. By including Bilaam’s words in our prayer service, we remind ourselves that, despite our past, we carry within us the potential to convey the word of G-d.
Rashi offers another view. Bilaam spoke the words as he overlooked the Israelite encampment. (ibid v 1) From his perspective, perched above the Jews, he could speak about Israel from a new view. Bilaam saw, as Rashi elaborates, that the tents of Israel were ‘goodly’ in that the opening of one tent did not lead into the opening of an adjacent tent. The tent placement was devised to maximize modesty and familial privacy. (See Rashi, ibid v 5) Bilaam’s words, then, belong in our prayer books because they remind us to step outside of ourselves, to find the bigger picture. Only Bilaam could see Israel’s uniqueness from his view. Sometimes, to witness inspiration, to truly pray, we may need to find another vantage point.
Finally, the Talmud’s psychological insight, gives us another understanding as to the value of including this prayer in our services. Bilaam never wanted to bless Israel; he was hired to curse Israel. Then, from the blessings we can infer what the curses should have been; we understand the malice of Bilaam’s intent. (TB Sanhedrin 105b) When we recite Bilaam’s verses, we remind ourselves, as soon as we start our day that the blessings in our lives can never be taken for granted. The other half of blessing is curse; the gifts given to us are miracles. Bilaam, and all actors of infamy, remind us of all for which we find thanks.
Shabbat Shalom Umevorach,
Rav Menashe East
KAY Announcements
Rav Menashe will be reachable by email all summer, while in Israel. The Rabbi's email is: eastmenashe@hotmail.com.
Rav Menashe will also be blogging (keeping an online journal) about his experiences while abroad. To read them, visit Menashe's Blog by clicking here
Volunteers Needed
The Kiddushim Committee is currently being formed to help prepare and present the kiddushim for the coming year. Duties include light shopping (a few items), and Shabbat morning setup once every 2-3 months. If you are interested, please contact Ruth Engel at 858-720-0290 or ruthisaac@earthlink.net for more information. Our first meeting will be held sometime in late July or early August.
Kiddush
Kiddush this Shabbat is sponsored by the Youngelson family in honor of Shaye’s birthday.
Please contact Ruth Engel by email (ruthisaac@earthlink.net) if you would like to sponsor a kiddush.
Member news
Happy birthday to Barbara Lurie (july 7); Josh Gaylis (july 7); Daniel Patz (july 10); Shaye Youngelson (july 11)
Wedding anniversary - Mazal tov to Hayley and Dion Saks (july 6); Joe and Pam Pamensky (july 10); Marc and Yahaloma Lotzof (july 11)
Community news & events: click links for more information
Volunteers Needed for JCC Maccabi Games
The JCC of San Diego will host the JCC Maccabi Games® August 3-8, 2008. This Olympic-style event provides a unique combination of sports, cultural and social activities and will be the largest Jewish event in San Diego's history. The JCC Maccabi Games® offer a transforming and powerful experience to Jewish teens by integrating sports with Jewish identity and values.
www.sdmaccabi.org
Download the Registration Form here
Kef Li San Diego
Connect to Israel from San Diego. Check out this website for Israel-inspired programs for the whole family, year round. http://www.keflisandiego.org/ Contact Jennie Starr for more
info 858-245-9375 or jennie@keflisandiego.org.