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A recording made after Shabbos of the past weeks Drasha.
Parshas Balak: Not Just Words Bilaam set out to curse, but ended up blessing. He tried to speak on his own—but G-d rewrote the message. This week, we explore the Ohr HaChaim's stunning commentary on how G-d transforms even twisted intentions into blessings. A donkey speaks, a prophet's eye opens, and we learn: words carry power, but purpose carries more.
What inspires an enemy to offer praise? Bilaam, the infamous non-Jewish prophet whose prophetic abilities rivaled those of Moshe, was hired to curse the Jewish people. Yet, instead of curses, he delivered words so powerful that they became part of our daily prayers: “How goodly are your tents, O Jacob.”As he gazed upon the Israelite encampment, Bilaam observed something extraordinary—something that speaks to us profoundly even today. The entrances to the Jewish homes were intentionally misaligned, ensuring they did not face one another. This subtle architectural detail reflected profound wisdom about safeguarding privacy, dignity, and sanctity within each household. By design, every family's inner world was protected, creating sacred spaces where spirituality could flourish free from outside intrusion.In today's hyper-connected world, where boundaries are increasingly blurred and privacy is eroded, this lesson is more relevant than ever. A true Jewish home isn't defined merely by religious symbols adorning its walls. It's a sanctuary—a fortress of faith that shields its inhabitants from harmful influences while nurturing internal spiritual growth. It's the place where Torah learning is a daily rhythm, where children witness their parents' commitment to spirituality, and where the air resonates with uplifting Jewish music rather than negative distractions. Most importantly, it's where we carefully filter what enters through our doorways—both physical and digital—creating an environment where our families can thrive spiritually and emotionally.Our sages teach that when we strengthen the “bars of our gates”—the protective boundaries of our homes—we bring blessings to our children within. This isn't mystical thinking; it's practical wisdom. A home infused with kedusha (holiness) becomes fertile ground for growth. By dedicating spaces for prayer, setting boundaries around technology, and realigning our priorities to focus on what truly matters, we build homes that can inspire the same awe that Bilaam felt when he exclaimed, “How goodly are your dwellings, O Israel!”Subscribe now to uncover timeless wisdom and practical guidance for living your best Jewish life.Support the showJoin The Motivation Congregation WhatsApp community for daily motivational Torah content!------------------Check out our other Torah Podcasts and content! SUBSCRIBE to The Motivation Congregation Podcast for daily motivational Mussar! Listen on Spotify or 24six! Find all Torah talks and listen to featured episodes on our website, themotivationcongregation.org Questions or Comments? Please email me @ michaelbrooke97@gmail.com
Shiur given by Rabbi Ben Zion Bamberger on Parsha.
This episode briefly reviews the halachos of the Three Weeks, and then goes through Shachris when we are required to stand.
This episode discusses the deeper meaning of מה טובו אהליך יעקב and why it inspired Bilaam to bless us.
Only In This world, Inside Our Bodies, Do We Get to Crack the Code of Creation and Find Its AuthorThis class was presented on Friday, 15 Tammuz, 5785, July 11, 2025, Parshas Balak, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY. This is the fourth class in a series of text-based classes on the Maamar (discourse) of the Alter Rebbe, Al Ken Yomru Hamoshlim, in Likkutei Torah Parshas Chukas, presented by Rabbi Schnuer Zalman of Liadi on Shabbos, Parshas Chukas-Balak, 12 Tamuz, 5567 (1807).View Source Sheets: http://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9731
Rabbi Gestetner. Parshas Balak (5785): Perspectives by Mayanot
Harav Yussie Zakutinsky Shlita
Bilaam and Avraham. Similar but Different?
In this episode of the Parsha Review Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores Parshas Balak, focusing on the story of Balak, the king of Moab, who hires the powerful prophet Bilaam to curse the Jewish people (Numbers 22). Rabbi Wolbe recounts the riveting narrative where Bilaam's donkey, divinely enabled to speak, rebukes him for striking it, symbolizing resistance to his mission to curse the Jews. Rashi's commentary highlights the donkey's reference to “three times” as an allusion to the Jewish people's observance of the three festivals (Pesach, Shavuot, Sukkot), which Bilaam seeks to undermine. Rabbi Wolbe explains why the festivals define the Jewish people, emphasizing the miraculous nature of Jerusalem's Temple Mount, which, like a deer's hide, supernaturally expands to accommodate millions during these pilgrimages without anyone feeling cramped. This contrasts sharply with Bilaam's frustration when his donkey pins his leg against a wall, revealing his inability to tolerate minor discomfort, unlike the Jewish people who trust in Hashem's providence. Rabbi Wolbe draws a broader lesson, contrasting Bilaam's arrogance and reliance on material wealth with the Jewish people's faith in Hashem's control, as seen in historical miracles like the Six-Day War and the protection of Jewish homes during festival pilgrimages. He critiques the modern notion of “financial security” as a form of arrogance, urging listeners to let go of self-reliance and trust in Hashem while still acting responsibly. Using the metaphor of a tractor-trailer stuck under an overpass, he suggests “letting the air out of our arrogance” to align with divine will. The episode concludes with a call to live with faith, recognizing that Hashem orchestrates every outcome, and to embrace this trust for a meaningful Shabbos and life._____________This episode (Ep 7.37) of the Parsha Review Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe on Parshas Balak is dedicated in honor of our Holy Soldiers in the Battlefield and our Torah Scholars in the Study Halls who are fighting for the safety of our nation!Download & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded at TORCH Studios (C) to an online TORCHzoom.com audience on July 8, 2025, in Passaic, New Jersey.Released as Podcast on July 10, 2025_____________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!! Prayer 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, #Balak, #TalkingDonkey, #Faith, #Surrender, #DivineGuidance, #Trust, #PersonalResponsibility, #Hashem, #Protection, #Serenity, #Embrace ★ Support this podcast ★
In this episode of the Parsha Review Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores Parshas Balak, focusing on the story of Balak, the king of Moab, who hires the powerful prophet Bilaam to curse the Jewish people (Numbers 22). Rabbi Wolbe recounts the riveting narrative where Bilaam's donkey, divinely enabled to speak, rebukes him for striking it, symbolizing resistance to his mission to curse the Jews. Rashi's commentary highlights the donkey's reference to “three times” as an allusion to the Jewish people's observance of the three festivals (Pesach, Shavuot, Sukkot), which Bilaam seeks to undermine. Rabbi Wolbe explains why the festivals define the Jewish people, emphasizing the miraculous nature of Jerusalem's Temple Mount, which, like a deer's hide, supernaturally expands to accommodate millions during these pilgrimages without anyone feeling cramped. This contrasts sharply with Bilaam's frustration when his donkey pins his leg against a wall, revealing his inability to tolerate minor discomfort, unlike the Jewish people who trust in Hashem's providence. Rabbi Wolbe draws a broader lesson, contrasting Bilaam's arrogance and reliance on material wealth with the Jewish people's faith in Hashem's control, as seen in historical miracles like the Six-Day War and the protection of Jewish homes during festival pilgrimages. He critiques the modern notion of “financial security” as a form of arrogance, urging listeners to let go of self-reliance and trust in Hashem while still acting responsibly. Using the metaphor of a tractor-trailer stuck under an overpass, he suggests “letting the air out of our arrogance” to align with divine will. The episode concludes with a call to live with faith, recognizing that Hashem orchestrates every outcome, and to embrace this trust for a meaningful Shabbos and life._____________This episode (Ep 7.37) of the Parsha Review Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe on Parshas Balak is dedicated in honor of our Holy Soldiers in the Battlefield and our Torah Scholars in the Study Halls who are fighting for the safety of our nation!Download & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded at TORCH Studios (C) to an online TORCHzoom.com audience on July 8, 2025, in Passaic, New Jersey.Released as Podcast on July 10, 2025_____________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!! Prayer 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, #Balak, #TalkingDonkey, #Faith, #Surrender, #DivineGuidance, #Trust, #PersonalResponsibility, #Hashem, #Protection, #Serenity, #Embrace ★ Support this podcast ★
Shiur given by Rabbi Bezalel Rudinsky on Parshas Korach. Shiur recorded by Rabbi Rudinsky for the app.
The Psychology Behind the Parsha Parshas Balak (2025 - תשפ״ה) NOW is Our Chance!
Depression Is When I Extricate Myself from the Cosmic SymphonyThis class was presented on Thursday, 14 Tammuz, 5785, July 10, 2025, Parshas Balak, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY. This is the third class in a series of text-based classes on the Maamar (discourse) of the Alter Rebbe, Al Ken Yomru Hamoshlim, in Likkutei Torah Parshas Chukas, presented by Rabbi Schnuer Zalma of Liadi on Shabbos, Parshas Chukas-Balak, 12 Tamuz, 5567 (1807).View Source Sheets: http://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9729
A collection of short Divrei Torah on the weekly Parsha for your Shabbos table.
In this week's episode Rabbi Kohn discusses 3 important lessons from Bilaam the evil prophet. 1)How we can use situations of others irritating for self improvement. 2)The importance of living as a jew and not just dying as a Jew. 3) The proper atitude we must have when it comes to the things we do to serve Hashem. Subscribe to The Practical Parsha Podcast. For questions or comments please email RabbiShlomoKohn@gmail.com. To listen to Rabbi Kohn's other podcast use this link- the-pirkei-avos-podcast.castos.com/ Chapters (00:00:00) - This week's Practical Parsha Podcast features Rabbi Shlomo Cohen(00:00:27) - Parshas Balak(00:03:20) - Parsha 2: The Talking Donkey(00:09:17) - The First Blessing of Balaam(00:15:37) - Dying the Righteous(00:18:12) - The Second Blessing of Bilaam
התוכן יש לעורר אודות תקנותיו של בעל הגאולה (והרי כל תקנה של חכמי ישראל, "מאן מלכי רבנן", הוא ענין של תורה, ועאכו"כ תקנה של נשיא ישראל ושצוה לפרסמה): תורה – תקנתו אודות לימודי שיעורי חומש תהלים ותניא. תפלה – נוסף לכללות ענין התפלה וההכנה אלי' – הכוונה ד"דע לפני מי אתה עומד" שהיא לעיכובא – גם השקידה בעבודת התפילה, כמבואר במאמרים ושיחות שלו. וכן בנוגע לגמ"ח; מבין ריבוי הענינים שבשיעור חומש דיום חמישי פ' בלק – יש לבחור ענין שבו רואים בגלוי שזה נוגע לזמן זה, זמן הגלות, "עקבתא דמשיחא" – "ה' אלקיו עמו ותרועת מלך בו": שגם במצב שבנ"י מתנהגים באופן בלתי רצוי (וכפרש"י) צריכים לדעת ש"ה' אלקיו עמו"! והדיוק הוא "אלקיו" – אלוקה שלו! ועוד יותר: "ותרועת (מלשון חיבה ורעות) מלך בו" – כל החיבה שלו כ"מלך" הוא רק בהם, ומוסיף רש"י "וכן תרגם אונקלוס ושכינת מלכהון ביניהון" – שענינו של המלך שוכן ומתלבש בקרבו!ב' חלקים משיחת יום ה פ' בלק, ט"ו תמוז ה'תשמ"ה ל"הנחה פרטית" או התרגום ללה"ק של השיחה: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=10-07-2025 Synopsis The baal hageulah enacted takanos (and every takanah enacted by the Sages is part of the Torah, all the more so takanos enacted by a Nasi of the Jewish people) including takanos in Torah (the takanah of Chitas), in tefillah (to engage in the service of tefillah, going beyond the requirement of “Knowing before Whom you stand), and in gemilus chassadim. The daily Chumash for Thursday of Parshas Balak, states, “Hashem their G-d is with them, and they have the King's friendship”: Even if the Jewish people behave in an undesirable manner (as Rashi explains), one must know that “Hashem their G-d is with them,” and the verse emphasizes that He is “their G-d.” Moreover, “they have the King's friendship,” all of His affection as a King is directed toward them alone, and as Rashi adds, “So translates Onkelos, ‘The presence of their King is among them,'” meaning the King dwells in and is clothed within them.2 excerpts from sichah of Thursday, parashas Balak, 15 Tammuz 5745 For a transcript in English of the Sicha: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=10-07-2025 לזכות מרדכי בן חי'ה ריסא שי' ונגר ליום ההולדת שלו י"ד תמוז - לשנת ברכה והצלחה, ואריכות ימים ושנים טובות.נדבת אביו ר' שמואל שי' ונגר
Chag Hageulah - Yud-Gimmel Tammuz (24:19)
Apt Inspiration on the Parsha given by Rabbi Menachem Apter. Shiur recorded in Yeshivas Ohr Reuven, Monsey, NY.
Chag Hageulah - Yud-Beis Tammuz (22:42)
Consciousness Has Been Upgraded; Are You Ready? Learning How to Trust Your Inner Divine Voice This class was presented on Tuesday, 12 Tammuz, 5785, July 8, 2025, Parshas Balak, at a new location, The Barn @ 84 Viola Rd. in Montebello, NY. View Source Sheets: http://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9728
We are pleased to bring you the audio shiur given on the topic of Parshas Balak.
Kabbalah Takes Us Higher, Higher, and Yet Higher. Chassidus Wants to Heal the DarknessThis class was presented on Monday, 11 Tammuz, 5785, July 7, 2025, Parshas Balak, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY. This is the second class in a series of text-based classes on the Maamar (discourse) of the Alter Rebbe, Al Ken Yomru Hamoshlim, in Likkutei Torah Parshas Chukas, presented by Rabbi Schnuer Zalma of Liadi on Shabbos, Parshas Chukas-Balak, 12 Tamuz, 5567 (1807). View Source Sheets: http://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9727
We are pleased to bring you the audio shiur given on the topic of Parshas Balak.
In this week's epiosde Rabbi Kohn expalins how we need to "wake up and smaell the coffee". We see from Bilaam who ignored the messages from G-D that we need to keep our eyes and ears open to see the messages that G-D sends us every day. Subscribe to The Practical Parsha Podcast. For questions or comments please email RabbiShlomoKohn@gmail.com. To listen to Rabbi Kohn's other podcast use this link- the-pirkei-avos-podcast.castos.com/ Chapters (00:00:00) - Parsha Podcast(00:00:48) - Parshas Balak(00:09:44) - Balaam(00:16:17) - The Second Attempt of Bilaam to Curse the Jews
After the Jewish nation trounced the mighty kingdoms of Sichon and Og in last week's parsha, 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 […]
After the Jewish nation trounced the mighty kingdoms of Sichon and Og in last week's parsha, 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 to TORCH: 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!– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –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 ★
insights from the Torah Temimah on Parshas Balak
Halachah From The Parshah Series: Parshas Balak - Privacy, confidentiality, and classified information in Jewish Law 07/10/2020
Dedication opportunities are available for episodes and series at https://ohr.edu/donate/qa Questions? Comments? podcasts@ohr.edu Yeshivat Ohr Somayach located in the heart of Jerusalem, is an educational institution for young Jewish English-speaking men. We have a range of classes and programs designed for the intellectually curious and academically inclined - for those with no background in Jewish learning to those who are proficient in Gemara and other original source material. To find the perfect program for you, please visit our website https://ohr.edu/study_in_israel whatsapp us at https://bit.ly/OSREGISTER or call our placement specialist at 1-254-981-0133 today! Subscribe to the Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast at https://plnk.to/rbq&a Submit questions for the Q&A with Rabbi Breitowitz https://forms.gle/VCZSK3wQJJ4fSd3Q7 Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/OhrSomayach/videos 00:00 - Why does Hashem have anger for a single moment each day? 03:05 - Why does each Aliyah in Parshas Balak start with ‘Balak' or ‘Bilam' 05:00 - What is a Rashash minyan? 08:00 - What was the difference in opinion between the Vilna Gaon and the Chassidism? 24:55 - How can a Rebbe give a single mehalech for many unique, distinct neshamos? 28:20 - Can someone go up to Har HaBayit? 37:40 - What is the significance of the Western Wall? 41:45 - Is it permitted for a woman to wear animal-print clothing? 44:15 - Where does one's duty to his family fit into his Avodas Hashem? 51:00 - Why is it so significant that Apostomos burned a Sefer Torah? 54:00 - Why did Rebbe Nachman object to Moreh Nevuchim - Guide to the Perplexed? 01:02:16 - If we've lost entire tractates of Gemara, how can we trust what we have? 1:11:05 - Why are there more Cohanim than Leviim? 1:14:30 - Why doe we sometimes find that Tanaim said harsh words that turned into curses? 1:18:10 - Was it common for people to tamper with manuscripts? 1:21:20 - If we already did Teshuva why do we ask for it everyday in Shmoneh Esrei? 1:23:00 - What advice would there be for someone losing motivation in spiritual growth? 1:24:40 - Do we have to stand for everyone who is over 70? You can listen to this and many other Ohr Somayach programs by downloading our app, on Apple and Google Play, ohr.edu and all major podcast platforms. Visit us @ https://ohr.edu PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS
After the Jewish nation trounced the mighty kingdoms of Sichon and Og in last week's parsha, 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 […]