This week we read the double portions of Chukat & Balak. With these readings, we will fall back in sync with our brothers and sisters in Israel, who have been one week ahead of us in the UK (diaspora) since the festival of Shavuot.
In the Sedra (portion) of Balak – Balak, King of Moab, hired Balaam a soothsayer, to curse the Jewish people, as he was concerned over hearing of their successful wars against their enemies.
However, instead of cursing the Jewish people he ends up by Blessing them, as he had been instructed to do by G-d. This he concludes with the famous words, which have been incorporated into our daily prayers:
“How goodly are your tents, O Jacob, your encampments, O, Israel.” (24:5)
The lesson for us here is that we must never think that it is important to be concerned only about the “larger” issues of modesty and intimacy, but that we can be lax about the “smaller,” “innocent” details. Even the smaller details are important enough to be able to transform a curse into a blessing or in an accursed situation into a blessing one.
One may think our concerns only need to be in our permanent home situation but less attentive in a temporary setting such as a holiday. We see here the tremendous power of even the minor details of modest conduct was demonstrated when our ancestors lived in tents, their temporary homes in the dessert.
This week’s Torah thought is dedicated to; the forthcoming wedding of Aron Dov Sufrin & Yam Nagar on Tuesday 15thTammuz – 30thJune in Israel. Mazal Tov.
With our continued prayers for an everlasting peace in Israel, the IDF, and our brothers and sisters across the diaspora.
Wishing you a meaningful Shabbat and successful week to follow.
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