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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.
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 ★
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.
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.
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.
https://rabbiefremgoldberg.org/chukas-balak-kings-highway Tue, 23 Jun 2026 14:41:33 +0000 7375 Rabbi Efrem Goldberg Parsha Perspectives - Podcast no
Rashi's commentary is an indispensable part of a person's daily studies. His explanation of Chumash, the first five books of the Torah, clarifies the "simple" meaning of the text so that a bright child of five could understand it. At the same time, it is the crucial foundation of some of the most profound legal analysis and mystical discourses that came after it.
Shiur given by Rabbi Bentzion Brodie on Parshas Chukas-Balak. Shiur recorded in Yeshivas Ohr Reuven, Monsey, NY.
Harav Yissocher Frand explains the “change” in HaKadosh Boruch Hu's response upon the arrival of Balak's second delegation, shedding light on the incredible power of lishma.
BH We are ready for Moshiach!
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
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.
In part 2 and final shiur for Parshat Balak we witness the incredible blessings that Bilam ends up giving to Klal Yisroel. then he advises Balak in how to send a terrible plague to the Jews. Pinchas saves the day. Enjoy
We continue this weeks Double Parsha with Parshat Balak. We meet Bilam the Sorcerer and Balak the King of Moav who came form their enemy Midyan. They plot to curse the Jews and the talking Donkey sees Angels, Enjoy
Rashi's commentary is an indispensable part of a person's daily studies. His explanation of Chumash, the first five books of the Torah, clarifies the "simple" meaning of the text so that a bright child of five could understand it. At the same time, it is the crucial foundation of some of the most profound legal analysis and mystical discourses that came after it.
BH Raise your voice!
Bilaam was not destroyed by lack of talent, he was destroyed by insecurity.He was a prophet, a man of power, a man whose words could shape reality. But he had no rooted sense of self. He needed kavod, money, and status to feel valued.In this shiur, delivered in “Steve's”, Rav Burg uncover the psychological depth behind Bilaam HaRasha. Why Bilaam hears Hashem's question as rejection, why he needs kings to validate him, why his mouth becomes a sword, why the donkey humiliates him, and why Hashem refuses to let accountability become shame.A powerful look at ego, shame, false greatness, and the danger of needing others to tell you who you are.
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.
Rashi's commentary is an indispensable part of a person's daily studies. His explanation of Chumash, the first five books of the Torah, clarifies the "simple" meaning of the text so that a bright child of five could understand it. At the same time, it is the crucial foundation of some of the most profound legal analysis and mystical discourses that came after it.
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 ★
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
Rashi's commentary is an indispensable part of a person's daily studies. His explanation of Chumash, the first five books of the Torah, clarifies the "simple" meaning of the text so that a bright child of five could understand it. At the same time, it is the crucial foundation of some of the most profound legal analysis and mystical discourses that came after it.
Welcome back to The Total Torah Podcast!For those of you listening to one aliyah per day, here is where you should start:02:35 Second Aliyah04:15 Third Aliyah05:12 Fourth Aliyah06:23 Fifth Aliyah08:35 Sixth Aliyah09:47 Seventh Aliyah12:00 Balak13:34 Second Aliyah14:35 Third Aliyah17:08 Fourth Aliyah18:56 Fifth Aliyah20:43 Sixth Aliyah22:54 Seventh AliyahCheck out more of our content on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube.
BH Father's day!
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.
Discover why Raiders of the Lost Ark continues to captivate audiences nearly half a century after its release. Join Todd Hoffman as he explores the film's influence, memorable scenes, and what makes Indiana Jones a timeless hero. Key Topics: The cultural impact of Raiders and its influence on adventure movies and video games like Uncharted The creation and innovation behind Indiana Jones' iconic character and Spielberg and Lucas' role The film's memorable opening scene and set pieces, including the Well of Souls and Cairo sequences How John Williams' score perfectly complements the movie's timeless appeal The film's groundbreaking practical effects and stunt work from the early 80s Comparing sequels and their faithfulness to the original, including Last Crusade and Kingdom of the Crystal Skull The significance of artifacts like the Shroud of Turin and potential adventures never filmed The lasting relevance of Indiana Jones' flawed, vulnerable hero archetype Fun facts and behind-the-scenes trivia, including Harrison Ford's casting and the film's real-world inspirations The influence of Raiders on subsequent adventure narratives and movies Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro to Indiana Jones' legacy, with a celebration of 45 years 00:56 - Overview of Indiana Jones' influence on pop culture and other genres 02:21 - The impact of Raiders on 1980s macho action heroes and its unique hero characteristics 04:19 - Todd's first experience watching Raiders and memorable scenes 05:10 - Why Raiders remains relevant across decades, including historical and biblical influences 06:37 - How Spielberg and Lucas created such an iconic character in Indiana Jones 07:35 - Indiana Jones' uniqueness among action heroes and his cultural phenomenon status 08:45 - The role of Harrison Ford in defining Indy's charm and persona 09:37 - The hero's flaws making Indy relatable and human 10:07 - The legendary opening scene and its significance in film history 11:32 - Favorite action set pieces, including Temple Escape and Cairo sequences 12:13 - Supporting characters' roles and underappreciated characters like Marion Ravenwood 12:46 - The effectiveness of Balak as a villain and archetype villains in the franchise 14:09 - Memorable quotes and scenes that still resonate, like the ad lib line about aging 15:04 - Visual storytelling mastery of Spielberg, especially in scene setups 17:27 - Balance of action, humor, and mystery in Raiders' storytelling 17:58 - How Raiders redefined the adventure genre and inspired modern video games 21:02 - The lasting influence of Raiders over other adventure films 22:37 - John Williams' score and its iconic contribution to the film's success 23:03 - The groundbreaking practical effects and stunt work of early 80s cinema 23:50 - Continuity and sets reused in Raiders, and sequels' faithfulness to the original 26:17 - Speculation on future Indiana Jones films and recasting debates 28:42 - A look at unrealized artifact adventures that could have made epic Indiana Jones adventures 31:08 - Todd's favorite moments from the franchise, from the opening scene to iconic villainy 33:39 - The enduring appeal of Indiana Jones' gadgets like the whip and fedora 34:10 - What makes Raiders a cinematic masterpiece and celebrating its anniversary 36:27 - Reflecting on experiencing the film's debut and its cultural significance 36:56 - Moving on to current and upcoming news, including The Mandalorian's father figures and rare memorabilia 39:57 - Star Wars news: Auction of Luke Skywalker's lightsaber and other memorabilia 42:00 - Recent celebrity news involving Hayden Christensen at NBA Finals and fan reactions 45:06 - Geek culture updates, including the release of Disclosure Day and upcoming Spider-Man movie 49:20 - Final reflections: Celebrating fatherhood, geekery, and the enduring legacy of adventure stories 52:20 - Closing remarks and gratitude for listening to WSTR Galactic Public Access Note: For more in-depth episodes and show notes, visit podcast.wstrmedia.com
Nadav joins me on the podcast to give his perspective as a two-time reader of Chukat and Balak. Follow along in Bemidbar 21:18, Tehillim 23:4, Bemidbar 21:6, Devarim 8:15, Bemidbar 24:9, 22:35. Provide your feedback or join the WhatsApp group by sending an email to torahreadingpodcast@gmail.com.
We delve into the intriguing story of Balaam and Balak as recorded in the Book of Numbers. Balaam, a pagan prophet hired by Balak to curse Israel, ends up pronouncing blessings instead. Through a series of three attempts to curse Israel, we witness how God speaks through Balaam, emphasizing Israel's unique status and divine protection. The narrative highlights the importance of understanding the structure of the story, particularly the repetition of threes, and culminates in prophecies about a future King from Israel. Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @realbiblebriefX: @biblebriefFacebook: @realbiblebriefEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.orgWant to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out our partner Biblingo (and use our link/code for a discount!): https://biblin...