By Rebbetzin Malkah
Each one of us has one. It doesn't matter how great or small we may be - we each possess some vehicle upon which we transport our desires in order to see their fruition. This week's parasha illuminates so much more than a talking donkey that transports Balaam and his wicked desires. The rabbis contend that this story of Balaam, as an allegory or prophetic vision, is its own book. Slated almost as a commercial break in the middle of Bamidbar, parasha Balak offers us deep insight into the human psyche and the inner workings of an unhealthy neshama. Taking a break from the troubles of Yisrael, it lays out the tragedy of a soul gone awry and shows us the power of speech, blessing and desire.
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by Rebbetzin Malkah
Parasha Shelach presents us with a series of unfortunate events that send forth the Children of Israel into a place of no return. The mission to send the spies not only brings about dissension among the leaders, but also brings Israel to a critical junction in her journey. As their decision ultimately seals their fate and sets them on a path of wandering and regret, the message of this parasha resounds loudly for us today. We too stand at similar crossroads that will determine our own destiny and the destiny of our children. We have the choice to press forward into a deeper Torah observant walk and reap the fruitful benefits of connecting with our people in the greater community, or to remain isolated and an entity unto ourselves.
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 by Rebbetzin Malkah
At least once or twice within our lifetimes, many of us will decide to try the cure-all diet that will fix the body's slowing metabolism. Sometimes we even become vegetarian, vegan, or lacto-pesco-ovo. Certain that this diet will be the solution, we suffer, starve, cut down portions, binge and sacrifice - all in the hope of finding the hidden person underneath all those cushy layers. But what are we really searching for buried under those extra pounds? Are we searching to relive the youth we had, the inexperience, days of uncertainty as to where our future would place us? Are we longing to regain a slimmer body that reminds us of what it is to be carefree or less responsible, now that responsibility greets us every morning with no let up? In this week's parasha, we find the Children of Israel begging for a diet change - one that is merely a guise for returning to something familiar, far away and forbidden. However, they quickly learn that their desire to change their current food plan does not match the soul diet of Hashem; the regime they need to follow has little to do with their palates or ways of the past. Their gluttonous cravings for meat are but a cover for their inability to forget their unchecked and blithe ways of old. As we look at the menu this week, we need to be ever mindful of the effect our own appetites have on our spiritual growth.
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