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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.
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
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
This week we explore the Haftarah from the book of Micah with R. Yaakov Beasly who authored a commentary on Micah in the Maggid Studies inTanakh Series. This conversation explores the time period in which Micah lived, the complexity and tragedy of the Assyrian invasions of the Northern and Southern Kingdoms, and what unique message Micah tried to offer the Southern Kingdom during a devastating biblical period. This week's episode has been sponsored by Rivki and Moshe Weinstein in celebration of eleven years of Aliyah. This year the Matan Podcast is exploring the weekly Haftarah.
This class explores why the Torah names a parsha after Balak, a notorious enemy of the Jewish people, and connects it to the story of Yud Beis–Yud Gimmel Tammuz, the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe's redemption. It highlights how G-d transforms curses into blessings and the enduring power of faith amid adversity. https://www.torahrecordings.com/classes/by_parsha/004_bamidbar/007_balak/010
Congregation of the Living Word, a Messianic Jewish Congregation
Parshat Balak: Sé el burro - sólo en español. En un enfrentamiento entre un rey, un profeta y un burro parlante, adivina cuál de ellos escuchó a Dios y por qué deberíamos imitarlo. Grabado el 12 de julio de 2025. Esta es una traducción del comentario de la Torá en inglés publicado el 14 de julio de 2025. Parshat Balak: Be the Donkey - Spanish only. In a showdown between a king, a prophet, and a talking donkey, guess which one actually listened to God—and why that's the one we should imitate. Recorded July 12, 2025. This is a translation of the English Torah commentary posted July 14, 2025.
1206 Parshat Balak: Uma mula que fala: desvendando um dos episódios mais inusitados da Torá II. Ciclo Parashá
Congregation of the Living Word, a Messianic Jewish Congregation
Parshat Balak: Be The Donkey - English only. In a showdown between a king, a prophet, and a talking donkey, guess which one actually listened to God—and why that's the one we should imitate. Recorded July 12, 2025.
1205 Parshat Balak: Uma mula que fala: desvendando um dos episódios mais inusitados da Torá. Ciclo Parashá
In this gripping journey through Parshat Balak, Rabbi Bernath reveals the hidden spiritual war behind the political drama. Balak, king of Moav, turns to the infamous prophet Bilaam to curse Israel—but instead, Bilaam becomes an unwitting conduit for some of the most beautiful blessings in Torah. From the fall of Sichon and Og to the rise of Pinchas, this class explores how even our enemies testify to our eternal strength—and how every darkness can be transformed into light.TakeawaysSpiritual Warfare: The real battle wasn't fought with swords, it was waged in the heavens. Balak understood the power of spiritual energy and tried to use it against the Jews.Power of Blessing: Bilaam, despite himself, delivered the deepest praises of the Jewish people, because truth isn't controlled by ego, but by G-d.The Danger Within: When external curses failed, Bilaam exploited internal weakness—seduction and immorality. The greatest danger often comes from within.Transformation is Inevitable: Even klipah (spiritual husks) serve holiness in the end. Bilaam's blessings live on—while his plots fade into oblivion.Identity is Non-Negotiable: The Jewish soul cannot be cursed. Our truth is eternal, our connection Divine, and our mission unshakable—even our enemies admit it.#ParshatBalak #Balak #Judaism #Torah #Bible #BibleStudy #Bilaam #Moav #Moshiach #Curses #Prophecy #Parsha #TorahPortion #TorahLessons #TorahPortion Support the showGot your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.comSingle? You can make a profile on www.JMontreal.com and Rabbi Bernath will help you find that special someone.Donate and support Rabbi Bernath's work http://www.jewishndg.com/donateFollow Rabbi Bernath's YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernathAccess Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbi
BHWork you way to an honest relationship with Hashem
It's Briyah's birthday!This episode covers Parshat Balak, which has all sorts of craziness, like a talking donkey, and a king who wants to curse the Israelites. But God won't hear of it! We hope you enjoy this video episode. Coming soon to YouTube!
From Munich 1938, to the JCPOA in 2015, to Parshat Balak, Rabbi Dunner explores how not being present can be devastating—or not, when divine intervention steps in as human diplomacy falls short. A powerful reflection on unseen protection, ancient patterns, and why absence doesn't necessarily mean you've been forgotten.
The story of the counsel of Iyyov, Yitro, and Balaam holds a tremendous lesson in the idea of feeling the pain of others
Parshat Balak - 2025 - פרשת בלק
How powerful is the force of will? The weekly Torah portion includes far more depth than what appears in a quick review of its passages. Each week in Beyond the Letter of the Law, Harry Rothenberg, Esq. (Rothenberg Law Firm LLP, https://injurylawyer.com) provides interesting insights and take-away lessons from the Torah portion and the Jewish holidays. Subscribe to enjoy his unique blend of analysis, passion, and humor. A Project Of Ohr.Edu Questions? Comments? We'd Love To Hear From You: Podcasts@Ohr.Edu https://podcasts.ohr.edu/
Our world becomes increasingly hectic and less and less private: Web crawlers and chatbots trawl our lives, our likes, our on-line purchases, our weaknesses, and our politics. One of Judaism's great gifts to the world is hitbodadut, mindful seclusion, being alone with who you are, conversing with your soul and being in touch with yourself. In 1972, Rabbi Yaakov Asher Sinclair opened SARM Studios the first 24-track recording studio in Europe where Queen mixed “Bohemian Rhapsody”. His music publishing company, Druidcrest Music published the music for The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1973) and as a record producer, he co-produced the quadruple-platinum debut album by American band “Foreigner” (1976). American Top ten singles from this album included, “Feels Like The First Time”, “Cold as Ice” and “Long, Long Way from Home”. Other production work included “The Enid – In the Region of the Summer Stars”, “The Curves”, and “Nutz” as well as singles based on The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy with Douglas Adams and Richard O'Brien. Other artists who used SARM included: ABC, Alison Moyet, Art of Noise, Brian May, The Buggles, The Clash, Dina Carroll, Dollar, Flintlock, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Grace Jones, It Bites, Malcolm McLaren, Nik Kershaw, Propaganda, Rush, Rik Mayall, Stephen Duffy, and Yes. In 1987, he settled in Jerusalem to immerse himself in the study of Torah. His two Torah books The Color of Heaven, on the weekly Torah portion, and Seasons of the Moon met with great critical acclaim. Seasons of the Moon, a unique fine-art black-and-white photography book combining poetry and Torah essays, has now sold out and is much sought as a collector's item fetching up to $250 for a mint copy. He is much in demand as an inspirational speaker both in Israel, Great Britain and the United States. He was Plenary Keynote Speaker at the Agudas Yisrael Convention, and Keynote Speaker at Project Inspire in 2018. Rabbi Sinclair lectures in Talmud and Jewish Philosophy at Ohr Somayach/Tannenbaum College of Judaic studies in Jerusalem and is a senior staff writer of the Torah internet publications Ohrnet and Torah Weekly. His articles have been published in The Jewish Observer, American Jewish Spirit, AJOP Newsletter, Zurich's Die Jüdische Zeitung, South African Jewish Report and many others. Rabbi Sinclair was born in London, and lives with his family in Jerusalem. He was educated at St. Anthony's Preparatory School in Hampstead, Clifton College, and Bristol University. A Project Of Ohr.Edu Questions? Comments? We'd Love To Hear From You At: Podcasts@Ohr.Edu https://podcasts.ohr.edu/
Welcome to the Covenant & Conversation series, Rabbi Sacks' commentary pieces on the weekly Torah portion, exploring ideas and sharing inspiration from the Torah readings of the week. This audio on Parshat Balak was recorded by Rabbi Sacks in 2019. Follow along with the audio here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/balak/not-reckoned-among-the-nations/ Read and download the written essay, and all translations. For intergenerational discussion on the weekly Parsha and Haftara, a new FAMILY EDITION is now also available: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation-family-edition/balak/not-reckoned-among-the-nations/ ___________________ For more articles, videos, and other material from Rabbi Sacks, please visit www.RabbiSacks.org and follow @RabbiSacks. The Rabbi Sacks Legacy continues to share weekly inspiration from Rabbi Sacks. With thanks to the Schimmel Family for their generous sponsorship of Covenant & Conversation, dedicated in loving memory of Harry (Chaim) Schimmel.
In this eye-opening shiur, Rabbi Dunner explores how even one's fiercest enemies can become unlikely allies — from Nazi officer Karl Plagge to the infamous biblical prophet Bilaam. Discover how curses turn into blessings, truth emerges from donkeys, and moral courage pierces the darkness. Parshat Balak has never felt more relevant — or more uplifting.
Rav Mordechai HaKohen discusses Balak's realization regarding the Bnei Yisrael.
Who was Balaam? What is the meaning of the famous blessing that he uttered, "How great are your tents, Jacob..." ? All this and more in this week's Ponderings on the Parsha!
Is Bilaam a villain—or a mirror? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Mike Feuer dive into Parshat Balak to explore the figure of Bilaam—an outsider prophet with powerful words and a dangerous gaze. They discuss what makes Bilaam a spiritual counterpoint to Avraham, why God turns his curses into blessings, and how ayin tova (a good eye) can transform how we see the world.
Rabbi-Cantor Hillary Chorny's Shabbat Teaching at Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, July 5, 2025. (YouTube/Zoom)
In this conversation with Dr. Tanya White, we discuss the theological import of the parsha's unusual point of view, the parallels between Pharaoh and Balak's fear of Israel, and why coming to conclusions based on incomplete perceptions is a destructive behavior. This week's episode has been sponsored by Carole Damon in memory of her father Simcha Yisroel ben Shmuel whose yartzeit is on the 6th of Tammuz. Our Bamidbar Series explores different forms of leadership in the book and in the Jewish world.
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Torah Class - Parshat Balak: Rising LionBalaam saw what we too often forget: the Jewish people have a G-d-given strength to recover from any fall and rise again.
Learning at this Special Melava Malka at home, which is pretty much on lock down, due to a war escalation with Iran... instead of traveling with my Chavrusah to TLV for a Laivy Miller live Show, we sat with my boyz, made a lchaim thanking Hashem and continued a deep Torah in Likutei Moharan from Rebbe Nachman ben Faiga / Simcha...Fixing up Speech and transformimg the Judgements of Exile to the Kindness of Redemption...Cover pic from the holy land by Dov Kram with an additional pic from Lebanon war days - PLEASE KEEP
Congregation of the Living Word, a Messianic Jewish Congregation
Parshat Balak: Balaam the Prophet? - English only. God told Balaam the prophet that he could go to King Balak. Why then did God send an angel to stop him? Recorded July 20, 2024
BH Finding the Blessings in all the "not such blessings"
The weekly D'var Torah, based off the Vayashkem Avraham.
The Miracle G-d turns curses into blessings. (Parshat Balak)
In a world where social media drives people to dangerous extremes for fame and validation, Rabbi Dunner draws a poignant parallel to the biblical story of Bilam in Parshat Balak. Discover how ancient wisdom sheds light on modern obsessions and the perilous quest for external approval. Learn why true worth comes from within and why it is so important to seek validation through genuine connections rather than fleeting online fame.
Reb Joey exploring spiritual themes of the Parsha through the lens of Recovery.Possibly Speaking is a project of The Light Revealed. The Light Revealed is an organization and media publishing platform focusing on building a community for Jewish people seeking spiritual growth.For more information on our future plans, @The Light Revealed please join this WhatsApp group (admin post only) Light Revealed Updates(https://chat.whatsapp.com/Khox4pFJEst...)We welcome your feedback and questions and hope to utilize those questions for future episodes.WebsiteTheLightRevealed.orgEmailTheLightRevealed@TLRFamily.orgFacebookhttps://www.facebook.com/thelightreve...Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/thelightrev...The Possibly Speaking TeamHost: Joey RosenfeldAssistant Producer & Social Media: Zoe PoznanskiMusic by Zusha
Parshat Balak: Why did we name this parsha after a “Rasha”?!? The Holy Noam Elimelech and the Frozen cow manure!!! Why did Dovid Hamelech A”H call Tehilim “Zemirot”?!?
What does the Torah teach us about leadership? The weekly Torah portion includes far more depth than what appears in a quick review of its passages. Each week in Beyond the Letter of the Law, Harry Rothenberg, Esq. (Rothenberg Law Firm LLP, https://injurylawyer.com) provides interesting insights and take-away lessons from the Torah portion and the Jewish holidays. Subscribe to enjoy his unique blend of analysis, passion, and humor. A Project Of Ohr.Edu Questions? Comments? We'd Love To Hear From You: Podcasts@Ohr.Edu https://podcasts.ohr.edu/
Description: The Rav's Zohar Session on Parshat BalakDate: June 23rd 1994 Location: Los Angeles, California, USA Length: 1 hour & 28 minutes Sources: Zohar Balak Paragraphs 276-281 & 173-177References: Torah Portion of Balak
Torah Class - Parshat Balak: Leadership During Crisis Should a leader reveal the magnitude of the enemy threat or project confidence and strength?
Even when the night is closing in and we feel very much alone, we should know that Hashem is there with us every mile of the journey, and that we have nothing to fear. In 1972, Rabbi Yaakov Asher Sinclair opened SARM Studios the first 24-track recording studio in Europe where Queen mixed “Bohemian Rhapsody”. His music publishing company, Druidcrest Music published the music for The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1973) and as a record producer, he co-produced the quadruple-platinum debut album by American band “Foreigner” (1976). American Top ten singles from this album included, “Feels Like The First Time”, “Cold as Ice” and “Long, Long Way from Home”. Other production work included “The Enid – In the Region of the Summer Stars”, “The Curves”, and “Nutz” as well as singles based on The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy with Douglas Adams and Richard O'Brien. Other artists who used SARM included: ABC, Alison Moyet, Art of Noise, Brian May, The Buggles, The Clash, Dina Carroll, Dollar, Flintlock, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Grace Jones, It Bites, Malcolm McLaren, Nik Kershaw, Propaganda, Rush, Rik Mayall, Stephen Duffy, and Yes. In 1987, he settled in Jerusalem to immerse himself in the study of Torah. His two Torah books The Color of Heaven, on the weekly Torah portion, and Seasons of the Moon met with great critical acclaim. Seasons of the Moon, a unique fine-art black-and-white photography book combining poetry and Torah essays, has now sold out and is much sought as a collector's item fetching up to $250 for a mint copy. He is much in demand as an inspirational speaker both in Israel, Great Britain and the United States. He was Plenary Keynote Speaker at the Agudas Yisrael Convention, and Keynote Speaker at Project Inspire in 2018. Rabbi Sinclair lectures in Talmud and Jewish Philosophy at Ohr Somayach/Tannenbaum College of Judaic studies in Jerusalem and is a senior staff writer of the Torah internet publications Ohrnet and Torah Weekly. His articles have been published in The Jewish Observer, American Jewish Spirit, AJOP Newsletter, Zurich's Die Jüdische Zeitung, South African Jewish Report and many others. Rabbi Sinclair was born in London, and lives with his family in Jerusalem. He was educated at St. Anthony's Preparatory School in Hampstead, Clifton College, and Bristol University. A Project Of Ohr.Edu Questions? Comments? We'd Love To Hear From You At: Podcasts@Ohr.Edu https://podcasts.ohr.edu/
Rabbi Dr. Norman Lamm explains the importance of a surprising line in our Tefillot.
Who was Balaam? What is the meaning of the famous blessing he uttered, "How great are your tents, Jacob..." ? All this and more in this week's Ponderings on the Parsha!
Shabbat Teaching with Liana Wertman, Founder and CEO of The Torah Studio, at Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, July 13, 2024. Introduction by Rabbi Rebecca Schatz. Liana takes a close literary look at Parshat Balak, and considers how ancient narrative tropes & stories affect us personally today. The Torah Studio is an accessible and inclusive learning space that gives learners the tools they need to make Torah study an intellectually, spiritually, and emotionally nourishing practice. https://www.thetorahstudio.org/ (Youtube/Zoom)
In this illuminating conversation with Rabbi Yoni Rosensweig, we explore the gap between Moshe and Pinchas' response to public apostasy in the parsha and how this relates to Rav Yoni's innovative rabbinic work with the world of mental health. To learn more about the work of Maaglei Nefesh see their website: https://mnefesh.org/
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This lecture was recorded live at Beit Knesset HaNassi in Jerusalem. For more lectures from Rabbi Wein please visit: https://www.rabbiwein.com/ProductsListing/Best-Sellers-C2/All/ If you are enjoying listening to this podcast please consider donating to The Destiny Foundation and help us continue to produce quality educational and enjoyable material on Torah subjects and Jewish History from Rabbi Berel Wein. Click here to donate: https://www.rabbiwein.com/donate.php
During his first few months in exile on the island of St. Helena, Napoleon Bonaparte spoke at length to his confidant, Emmanuel, comte de Las Cases. Their conversations were later published as a book, revealing a side to Napoleon that the public had never previously encountered. Rabbi Dunner draws on one oft-cited quote from de Las Cases' book, and finds a parallel in the first daily Jewish prayer - a verse in Parshat Balak.