Parshat Balak

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King Balak hires Balaam to curse Israel, the talking donkey, and Balaam's blessings instead of curses. Numbers 22:2-25:9.

Balaam's Transgression and Blessings

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:41

We're talking about a powerful statement made by none other than the prophet Balaam, a figure known for his ability to curse nations. He was hired to curse the Israelites, but some...

Noah & FloodTorahHoly Land

Kingdom of Bilam and Balak

Midrash Rabbah Bamidbar Rabbah 20:18

It's one of those biblical tales that's just packed with odd details, and the Rabbis of the Midrash had a field day unpacking it all. We find a fascinating take in Bamidbar Rabbah,...

HeavenAngelsAdam & EveNoah & Flood

Kingdom of Bilam of Balak

Midrash Rabbah Bamidbar Rabbah 20:20

We find ourselves in the book of Numbers, with Balak, the king of Moab, terrified of the Israelites. He hires the sorcerer Bilam to curse them. But, as we soon discover, things don...

AngelsPatriarchsJosephMoses

Balak in Battle

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:8

Take the tale of Balak and Balaam. It's more than just a simple request to curse a nation. It’s a clash of egos, a battle of wills, and a whole lot of ancient magic. Ginzberg, in h...

ProphecyHoly Land

Balaam and the Ark

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:30

The story of Balaam and Balak is one wild ride, filled with ego, failed magic, and a divine sense of humor. According to Legends of the Jews, when Balaam finally made his way to th...

Noah & FloodTempleProphecyHoly Land

Kingdom of Moses and Balaam

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:36

The story of Balaam is a strange one, filled with prophecy, curses, and a talking donkey (yes, really!). But at its heart, it's a story about choice, and how our actions can either...

MosesTempleProphecySoul

Balaam Among the Heavenly Host

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:37

Imagine the scene: Balaam, the non-Jewish prophet-for-hire, is up to no good. He's been hired by Balak, king of Moab, to curse the Israelites (Numbers 22-24). He's built seven alta...

AngelsJosephHoly LandEgypt

Kingdom of Balak and Egypt

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:47

It’s a question that’s echoed through the ages, and in the story of Balak and Balaam, we get a glimpse of a fascinating answer. Remember Balak, the King of Moab, and Balaam, the pr...

JosephTorahProphecyRepentance

Zimri and the Angels

Midrash Rabbah Bamidbar Rabbah 20:25

The story of Pinḥas (Phineas) in the book of Numbers is a wild ride, a tale of zealotry, divine intervention, and a whole lot of questions about what's right and wrong. The scene i...

AngelsMosesKing DavidSolomon