Podcasts about Balak

TAKING GROUND: Opposition In The Spirit Steve Parrish ‭‭‭‭‭Ephesians 6:10–12 (ESV) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle (intense struggle) against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.Following Jesus is a Journey, leading you to Taking Ground, one step at a time in your DiscipleshipRelationshipsFamilyMinistryCareerCommunityTalents/GiftingsFinancesThere is a spiritual realmGod is Spirit - God created the spiritual realmThere is the Holy SpiritThere is the reality of angelsThere is the reality of fallen angels - Satan/SatanaThere is the reality of demons (likely not angels)There is the reality of false godsOPPOSITION IN THE SPIRIT: The Holy SpiritJohn 1:43 (ESV) The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.”Galatians 5:25 (ESV) If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.Acts 16:6–10 (ESV) And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.Misalignment with the Holy Spirit brings brings contentionActs 7:51 (ESV) “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you.Ephesians 4:30 (ESV) And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.OPPOSITION IN THE SPIRIT: Surrendered TerritoryEphesians 4:27 (NIV) and do not give the devil a foothold.This can happen Personal, Family, RegionUnforgivenessHidden/Addictive SinGeneration SinOccultic PracticeThis establishes a rightful ground to be used for opposition in your life.Daniel 10:13 (ESV) The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia,While slavery was a horrific sin of American in it's early years, the sin of Abortion is far worse.Old Testament, Children were murderedMolech - children passed through the fireBaal - sacrifices Why? Favor, protection, blessing, prosperity and agricultural success. Fertility of land and livestock. Protection from enemies and disasters. Divine favor and acceptance.Mark 5:7–10 (ESV) And crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.” For he was saying to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” And Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “My name is Legion, for we are many.” And he begged him earnestly not to send them out of the country.OPPOSITION IN THE SPIRIT: DeceptionRevelation 12:9 (ESV) And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.Ephesians 2:1–2 (ESV) And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—Saul/PaulJohn 16:2 (ESV) They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God.Acts 7:59–8:1 (ESV) And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep. And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.Acts 8:3 (ESV) But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison.Acts 9:1–6 (ESV) But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.”Believing things that are not true is a spiritual issueThere are great limiters for believers - Revelation is neededOPPOSITION IN THE SPIRIT: Satan/SatanaGenesis 3:14–15 (ESV) The LORD God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and above all beasts of the field; on your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life. I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”He Opposed Jesus: Luke 4:13 (ESV) And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.2 Corinthians 2:11 (ESV) so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.1 Peter 5:8–9 (ESV) Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.James 4:7–8 (ESV) Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.John 8:44 (ESV) You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.1 Thessalonians 2:18 (ESV) because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us.OPPOSITION IN THE SPIRIT: Things Bound In The Spiritual RealmMatthew 17:19–21 (KJV 1900) Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.OPPOSITION IN THE SPIRIT: Occultic PracticeNumbers 22:15–17 (ESV) Once again Balak sent princes, more in number and more honorable than these. And they came to Balaam and said to him, “Thus says Balak the son of Zippor: ‘Let nothing hinder you from coming to me, for I will surely do you great honor, and whatever you say to me I will do. Come, curse this people for me.' ” “That cant touch me…”. It can, but you can discern and oppose it.

https://square.link/u/UHRU92rp - Donate HereToday's reading takes us to Numbers 22, where Balak tries to hire Balaam to curse the people God has blessed. Balak treats spiritual power like something that can be purchased and weaponized, while Balaam leaves the door open to compromise because his heart is drawn toward reward. God's word was clear: “You shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.”Numbers 22 reminds us that spiritual position does not guarantee spiritual perception. Balaam could speak about God and still miss what God was doing right in front of him. So today, read Numbers 22 with a sober heart: do not manipulate the things of God for personal gain, do not leave room for compromise, and remember that when the enemy cannot curse from the outside, he will try to corrupt from the inside.

Wednesday July 15, 2026VII Week after PentecostToday's episode reveals that God's purposes cannot be overturned, our greatest battle is within, and Jesus alone is the cornerstone of God's kingdom.In Numbers 22:41–23:12, Balaam is taken to curse Israel, but every attempt is transformed into a blessing. Instead of speaking Balak's words, Balaam can only declare what God has spoken. The passage reminds us that no human scheme can reverse God's blessing or frustrate His sovereign plans. When God has determined to bless His people, His purposes will stand.In Romans 7:13–25, Paul gives an honest picture of the believer's struggle with sin. Though he delights in God's law, he finds another battle raging within him. His famous cry, “Who will rescue me from this body of death?” points us to the only answer: “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” Victory over sin is not found in greater willpower but in the grace of Christ.Finally, in Matthew 21:33–46, Jesus Christ tells the parable of the wicked tenants, exposing Israel's leaders for rejecting God's messengers and ultimately God's Son. He declares that the rejected stone has become the cornerstone, revealing that God's kingdom is built upon Christ, and those who reject Him reject the very foundation of salvation.Together, these passages remind us that God's plans cannot be defeated, our deepest struggles are overcome only through Christ, and Jesus is the cornerstone upon whom every life must be built.

The story from Numbers about a talking donkey is referenced multiple times throughout Scripture. What can we learn from this passage? Join Mariners San Clemente Lead Pastor Gavin Lamming and Lead Discipleship Pastor John Thomas as they discuss the story of Balaam, Balak, and the talking donkey!

Balak - Our Aveiros Just Wash Away

Balak - Bringing Our Thoughts Down to Action

Balak - Remembering Our Lofty Source

BH It's all about Moshiach

A recording made after Shabbos of the past week's Drasha.

click the link below to download the service notes https://esm.us/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/06-27.26-Congregational-Notes-5.pdf*********************************Website: esm.usPastor Mark BiltzMission Statement: (https://esm.us/about/)El Shaddai Ministries exists to take Torah to the nations by restoring the Biblical and historical perspectives that have been lost over the last 2000 years, uncovering replacement theology, and healing our Christian-Jewish relationships.Statement of Beliefs:https://tinyurl.com/4ks6eznu

Rabbi Pinchas Allouche, head Rabbi at Congregation Beth Tefillah in Scottsdale, and the host of the Rabbi Allouche podcast, joins Seth for the full hour to talk about this week's Torah portion, Chukat-Balak, coming from the book of Numbers, his recent visit to Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson’s gravesite in New York, and a newly-released draft report from the Religious Liberty Commission. They examine the story of Miriam, who sacrificed herself to save her brother Moses, and the concept of the "thirty-six righteous people" who are believed to be the key to maintaining balance and order in the world. Rabbi Allouche also reflects on the story of Balaam, who was tasked with cursing the Jewish people but ultimately learned a valuable lesson about humility and obedience.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Balam, A Prophet for Hire - Torah Portion - Balak: (Numbers 22-25:9) by Shawn Ozbun

Bilam's relationship with his donkey reveals something much bigger about his worldview (than him just being a perverted person).

Obsessed With Israel

These classes teach the day's section of the weekly Torah portion. The lesson is taught using the original Hebrew text with the indispensable commentary of Rashi—both translated and elucidated so that anyone can follow along.

Shiur given by Rabbi Ben Zion Bamberger on Parsha.

Shiur given by Rabbi Bezalel Rudinsky on Parshas Chukas-Balak. Shiur recorded in Yeshivas Ohr Reuven Mesivta Camp, New Bloomfield, PA.

This episode discusses why Klal Yisrael complained about the Mann and praised Hashem for the Be'er.

This episode discusses the halachos of fasting and the Three Week mourning period.

Shiur given by Rabbi Heshy Friedman on Parsha. Shiur given in Kahal Ahavas Yitzchok, Monsey NY.

The Henry and Lisa Manoucheri Parsha Shiur Parshiyos Chukas - Balak    To Regenerate a Degenerate Society & The Majesty of Service   Month of Tamuz classes are sponsored in memory of Doris Lombardi by Brittany and Daniel Lombardi. Grandma Doris was strong, warm, giving, loving, hilarious, and full of life. She was an ardent lover and supporter of the Jewish people and Israel and she constantly conveyed those values to her family. The fullness with which she lived and loved us inspires our family regularly and we hope that we continue to carry on her legacy in our actions and in the way we raise our children.   This week's class is also dedicated in loving memory of Dr Frederica Muller; Frieda Bracha bas Aharon HaKohen. Her strength, brilliance, courage, and resolute conviction, established her family on principles of Judaism and passionate love for the Jewish People and HaShem. Through her descendants her legacy continues to profoundly benefit our nation with Torah, community building, and exemplary dignity. May her memory be blessed and her soul constantly elevated.    This week's class is also dedicated for the merit of an Aliyas Neshama for Avraham moshe Ben Yosef HaKohen - a man who loved to give Tzedakah and help any Jewish stranger. He was fascinated by every Jew an he treated them respectfully and kindly regardless of status.

This week's double Parsha is chock-full of fascinating narratives, story lines, and mitzvos. We begin with the great mystery of the red heifer. We then read about the passing of Miriam, sister of Moshe and Aaron, and its repercussions. There are wars against foes, water coming out of rocks, talking donkeys, and two plagues, including […]

This week's double Parsha is chock-full of fascinating narratives, story lines, and mitzvos. We begin with the great mystery of the red heifer. We then read about the passing of Miriam, sister of Moshe and Aaron, and its repercussions. There are wars against foes, water coming out of rocks, talking donkeys, and two plagues, including one from venomous serpents. It is a story rich with drama and intrigue, of great heroes and heinous villains. In this special edition of the Parsha Podcast, we explore the twists and turns of our parsha and share a profound insight, an insight can radically reshape our pursuit of greatness.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –This Parsha Podcast is dedicated in honor of and in the merit of the success for Noam Yitzhak ben Shlomi. May he be blessed with an outpouring of success.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –DONATE: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –NEW TORCH Mailing Address POBox:TORCHPO BOX 310246HOUSTON, TX 77231-0246– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletterrabbiwolbe.com/newsletter– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe's PodcastsThe Parsha PodcastThe Jewish History PodcastThe Mitzvah Podcast This Jewish LifeThe Ethics PodcastTORAH 101 ★ Support this podcast ★

Parshas Chukas & Balak: Hidden By Design Season 8 Episode 33 | #364 One of the Torah's greatest miracles happened without the Jewish people ever knowing it. Why would G-d hide such an extraordinary act of salvation? In this episode, we explore Rashi's explanation and the Ramban's timeless insight that the greatest miracles are often the ones we never see. Discover how G-d's hidden protection shapes our lives, why unanswered questions don't always signal something is wrong, and how faith grows when we trust the unseen. ✨ Sometimes the greatest blessings are the dangers G-d removes before we ever know they existed.

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Yud Beis Tammuz – 99 years: What does this day teach us? What happened on this day and what lessons does it offer us today? Why does the celebration of the Frierdiker Rebbe's liberation extend for two days – 12-13 Tammuz? Why is this month named after a Babylonian idol? What is the spiritual energy of this month? Is there a connection between the events of this day in 5754 and back in the time of Joshua when the sun was stopped? Is there something special about today, June 21, being the longest day of the year? Why didn't Joshua simply pray that the enemy be defeated? What is the mission of Chassidim who are not on shlichus? Is the Rebbe perfect? Follow-up What lessons do we learn from living with the times, with this week's Torah parsha? Can we heal people today by using a similar treatment to gazing at a serpent of brass mounted on a pole, as Moses was commanded? Why was Moses striking the rock such a great sin? Why was he not given the opportunity to do teshuva? Why were others not given the opportunity to do teshuva just as the sons of Korach were? What was the sin of Baal Pe'or? What lessons does this despicable sin offer us today? Why is a Parsha named after the evil Balak? What parts of Balaam's blessings were about Moshiach? What can we learn from Balaam's closing plot against the Jews? How should we react to the President's latest deal with Iran? Can we parallel the back-and-forth attitude of Iran to what Pharaoh and the Egyptians did regarding freeing the Jews? Tammuz Gimmel Tammuz Chukas-Balak Iran How is today's unrest in the Middle East a continuation of the unresolved conflict between Ishmael and Isaac? And what can we do to achieve permanent peace? Is it a good idea to allow my son to travel with a group to visit the concentration camps in Poland and Ukraine?

These classes teach the day's section of the weekly Torah portion. The lesson is taught using the original Hebrew text with the indispensable commentary of Rashi—both translated and elucidated so that anyone can follow along.

Latest episode of the podcast. Please consider sponsoring a class online in someones merit, memory or refuah shelemah. You can donate here in the app or send us an email at info@ejsny.org with the dedication you want to make. Thanks!

Parshas Chukat-Balak 5786 ספר במדבר פרק כ פסוק יב ויאמר יקוק אל משה ואל אהרן יען לא האמנתם בי להקדישני לעיני בני ישראל לכן לא תביאו את הקהל הזה אל הארץ אשר נתתי להם׃ Sefer Bamidbar Chapter 20 Verse 12 But Hashem said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust Me enough to affirm My sanctity in the sight of the Israelite people, therefore you shall not lead this congregation into the land that I have given them.”

Visionaries

Shiur give by Rabbi Menachem Apter on Parsha. Shiur recorded in Yeshivas Ohr Reuven, Monsey, NY.

Bil'am the spinmeister could have (through his rhetorical skills) united the various kingdoms into an anti=Jewish Alliance...

In every generation there are malevolent forces seeking to destroy the Jewish people. They have never been successful, nor will they ever be. The Almighty always protects our people and ensures our continuity. Most of the time we are completely unaware of the mortal dangers that the Almighty thwarted on our behalf. The canonical example […]

Can we hold on to what makes us different while still recognizing what unites us? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Moshe Silver explore the strange and fascinating story of Balaam in Parshat Balak. Why does an outsider become the source of some of the Torah's most enduring blessings? Through Balaam's encounters with God, they examine the challenge of monotheism in a world shaped by competing identities and loyalties. The conversation reflects on how belief in one God can create space for human diversity while calling us toward a deeper sense of shared responsibility and connection.

In every generation there are malevolent forces seeking to destroy the Jewish people. They have never been successful, nor will they ever be. The Almighty always protects our people and ensures our continuity. Most of the time we are completely unaware of the mortal dangers that the Almighty thwarted on our behalf. The canonical example of this phenomenon is the story of our Parsha , when the greatest sorcerer of all time was hired to curse the Jewish Nation. In this special edition of the Parsha podcast, we share three deep ideas on the very unusual story of Bilaam's unsuccessful attempts to curse the Jewish Nation.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –DONATE: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –NEW TORCH Mailing Address POBox:TORCHPO BOX 310246HOUSTON, TX 77231-0246– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletterrabbiwolbe.com/newsletter– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe's PodcastsThe Parsha PodcastThe Jewish History PodcastThe Mitzvah Podcast This Jewish LifeThe Ethics PodcastTORAH 101 ★ Support this podcast ★

These classes teach the day's section of the weekly Torah portion. The lesson is taught using the original Hebrew text with the indispensable commentary of Rashi—both translated and elucidated so that anyone can follow along.

Join us (after a short break) as we look at this week's Haftorah from the Book of Michah. In this episode we look G-d's insistence that the Jewish people delve deeply into what is happening behind the scenes in world events and appreciate the great miracles He performs on our behalf. If you enjoy the Toras Chaim Podcast, please help us spread the word! You can share a link on social media, leave a review or rating on your favorite podcast platform, or best of all, discuss what you've learned at the shabbos table!We love to hear from our listeners. Be it comments, questions or critique. You can send an email to overtimecook@gmail.com or elchononcohen@gmail.com or via instagram @OvertimeCook or @Elchonon.

Latest episode of the podcast. Please consider sponsoring a class online in someones merit, memory or refuah shelemah. You can donate here in the app or send us an email at info@ejsny.org with the dedication you want to make. Thanks!

Send us Fan MailWhat's the relationship between the two Torah portions of Chukas and Balak?Support the show

In this Parsha Review Podcast episode on the double portion Chukas-Balak, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe focuses on the opening of Parshas Chukas and the enigmatic mitzvah of the Parah Aduma (Red Heifer). This completely red, unyoked cow whose ashes purify those contaminated by contact with the dead is presented as the quintessential “chok” — a divine decree whose reason is beyond human comprehension.Rabbi Wolbe explains that the Torah calls it “Zos Chukas HaTorah” (this is the decree of the Torah) to teach that the essence of Torah observance is fulfilling Hashem's will, not only when we understand the reasons. He draws powerful parallels to the shofar on Rosh Hashanah (“Rachmana amar tik'u” — because the Merciful One said to blow it), the sages' protective decrees (yichud, harchakos, not reading by candlelight on Shabbos), and the oral Torah's necessity. Stories from the Talmud and historical examples illustrate the greatness of following rabbinic guidance even without full explanation, and the dangers of basing observance solely on logic or “reasons” (as seen in certain historical movements).The episode culminates in a call to observe all Mitzvos — even those we don't fully understand, like avoiding Lashon Hara — purely because they are the divine will of Hashem, the ultimate Source._____________This episode of the Parsha Review Podcast is dedicated in honor of Lenny & Teresa FriedmanDownload & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on June 23, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on June 24, 2026_____________Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parsha-review-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1651930083)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/22lv1kXJob5ZNLaAl6CHTQ) to stay inspired! Share your questions at awolbe@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodesPrayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Torah, #Parsha, #Numbers, #Bamidbar, #Chukas, #Balak, #ParahAduma, #Chok, #Decree, #RedHeifer, #Shofar, #LashonHara, #OralTorah, #RabbinicDecrees ★ Support this podcast ★

Welcome to Rabbi Sacks' commentary on the weekly Torah portion. Covenant & Conversation examines the ethics and wisdom we can derive from the Torah, week-by-week, parsha by parsha. Follow along with the full article, written and recorded by Rabbi Sacks in 2016, here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/balak/what-makes-god-laugh/ This week our FEATURED ARTICLE on Chukat-Balak (written by Rabbi Sacks in 2013) is available to read, print, and share, by visiting: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/balak/the-hardest-word-to-hear/ The new FAMILY EDITION is now also available: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation-family-edition/balak/the-hardest-word-to-hear/ For additional articles, translations, videos, and other material from Rabbi Sacks, please visit www.RabbiSacks.org and follow @RabbiSacks. _________________________ With thanks to the Schimmel Family for their generous sponsorship of Covenant & Conversation, dedicated in loving memory of Harry (Chaim) Schimmel. _________________________

These classes teach the day's section of the weekly Torah portion. The lesson is taught using the original Hebrew text with the indispensable commentary of Rashi—both translated and elucidated so that anyone can follow along.

The crouching stance of the lion in Bilaam's prophecy demonstrates that even when subjected to the physical constraints of exile, the Jewish people maintain an untamed, independent spiritual nature that is periodically reinforced by unmistakable, nature-shattering miracles. The deceptive spiritual authority claimed by the negative forces of Bilaam and Amalek is completely neutralized when a person internalizes a parallel matrix of active awe and love of Hashem. The psychological argument from Laban that one must temporarily disconnect from G-d and compromise spiritual values to achieve material career success is defeated by implementing a spiritual guardrail, which transforms mundane daily work into a holy ascent rooted in the absolute surrender of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs. This class, taught by Rabbi Shais Taub, is based on Balak in Likkutei Sichos Vol. 2.

Tammuz and Av are, according to the Zohar, days of judgment. The Creator of the world "provides a cure before the plague" and sends us the secrets of the sweetening of the judgments. How do you turn judgment into mercy, failure into success, death into life, destruction into growth? This is the secret of human correction and this is the secret of true healing. The secrets of medicine and its symbolism in Parashat Balak. The judgment determines our decisions because it controls our mind and thoughts. Only when we soften the judgment will we be saved from the humiliation of bad decisions. Daily Meditation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8AzyLFM2AY Read and learn more about this Parashah https://livekabbalah.org/balak Join our course program: https://livekabbalah.org/live-kabbalah-courses Join our Zoom Program: https://livekabbalah.org/weekly-zohar-study-live Support our efforts to provide you with more materials, donate to Live Kabbalah: https://livekabbalah.org/donations

In Parshas Chukas, we read about a highly unusual mitzvah: The Red Heifer, when an entirely red cow is burned together with a motley concoction of ingredients, and the resultant ashes are used to sprinkle on people that came into contact with dead people in order to purify them from their spiritual contamination. We also […]

In Parshas Chukas, we read about a highly unusual mitzvah: The Red Heifer, when an entirely red cow is burned together with a motley concoction of ingredients, and the resultant ashes are used to sprinkle on people that came into contact with dead people in order to purify them from their spiritual contamination. We also learn about the passing of Miriam and Aaron, and the multiple battles that the nation participated in on the Eastern bank of the Jordan, and we puzzle over the sin that condemned Moses and Aaron to die before entering the Land. Parshas Balak begins after the Jewish nation trounced the mighty kingdoms of Sichon and Og, the comparatively smaller and weaker kingdom of Moab resorted to unconventional warfare to attack the nation by hiring the prophet of the nations, a wily and devious character named Bilaam, to curse the Jews. It did not work out as planned.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –DONATE: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –NEW TORCH Mailing Address POBox:TORCHPO BOX 310246HOUSTON, TX 77231-0246– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletterrabbiwolbe.com/newsletter– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe's PodcastsThe Parsha PodcastThe Jewish History PodcastThe Mitzvah Podcast This Jewish LifeThe Ethics PodcastTORAH 101 ★ Support this podcast ★