Bs”d
Parshas Balak (5761)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
The obvious theme of our parsha this week, Parshas Balak, revolves around brachos and klallos. The simple connotation of these subjects has mystical overtones. There is, however, important, practical lessons we can glean.
We find in Pirkei Avos 5:19 something very striking; Chazal show the contrast between Avraham Avinu and Bilaam. We must understand that besides being the founder of Klal Yisroel, Avraham Avinu was one of the most outstanding human beings that existed in the world. The fact that there is any recognition of Hashem in the world today is only because of him. The fact that any type of comparison is made between the two says that there is some important trait that they had in common.
One of the initial statements of communication that Hashem bestowed upon Avraham Avinu 12:2 was “Hevai Bracha”—you will be a blessing. And as Rashi explains: “The blessings are put into your hand”. Bilaam, too, was versatile in giving blessings and curses.
Bracha is a mechanism in the Creation of tapping a special source of increase of power and abundance, accomplished primarily through the power of speech and mental focus. This is not to be confused with Tefilah, which is appealing and petitioning before Hashem.
It is imperative that we relate to bracha in the right light for it affects our lives in a greater way than we can imagine. We live in a society and religious circles that a good part of our etiquette and forms of speech contain greetings and salutations that are actually expressions of blessings, brachos. It then becomes a habitual form of speech without any awareness of the connotation of bracha. A bracha without specific intent brings blessing. However there is no comparison to what it accomplishes, when it is accompanied by our positive thoughts.
If when we say “good morning” it is accompanied by our thinking “you should succeed immensely in all your endeavors; Torah studies, business accomplishments, housework etc.” the power it has cannot be compared to an empty verbal expression.
When we try to pinpoint the numerous brachos, the list is almost endless. Yasher Koach to the gabbai, gezundheit for the sneezer, mazel tov for a million reasons, have a nice trip, refuah sh’layma, hearty appetite……..
Above all we must believe that the words bring blessing. Look how devastated Eisav was that he lost the brachos. In our sedra everything revolves around the power of bracha and the opposite. It should inspire us to the power of the word.
Gut Shabbos—enjoy the cholunt, a good shluf, wonderful shalom bayis…..