When Balak, the son of Tzipor, saw all that Israel had
done to the Amorites, the Moabites became deathly afraid because Israel was so
numerous... (Num. 22:2-3)
The Me'or V'Shemesh, writes that once he was present when
his rebbe, Rebbe Elimelech of Lizhensk, asked his brother, Rebbe Zusia of
Anipoli, a question: "My brother", asked Rebbe Elimelech, "I see that you are
able to perform miracles and wonders and awesome deeds. Perhaps I also could
learn to do the same?"
Rebbe Zusia answered, "When all the leaders of the
generation and it's righteous are of one heart, in a common bond of love and
friendship between themselves and the Jewish people, then anything can be
accomplished."
" The King of Moab...tried to come against Israel with his own show of unity...."
Rebbe Elimelech knew that his brother had spoken the truth and
thanked him for his words, for he had taught him a fundamental axiom of Judaism.
The Me'or V'Shemesh explains that at the beginning of
this week's Torah reading, Israel had attained a very high level of unity.
Except for the 24,000 who were to die as a result of their connection to idol
worship, these were the people destined to settle the Land of Israel. Because of
this unity, the mighty giant kings Sichon and Og fell before Israel, without
even inflicting any casualties.
The verse from this week's Torah reading states that Balak
"saw", meaning that he understood. He understood that internal unity was the
reason behind the strength of Israel. Because of that ". . .the Moabites became
deathly afraid".
What did Balak, the King of Moab do? In response to Jewish unity
he tried to come against Israel with his own show of unity. He made a pact with
none other than his archenemy Midian in order to battle Israel together. Then,
he investigated further and found out furthermore that the strength of Israel is
in the mouth - the power of Torah and prayer. (Midrash Tanchuma, Balak 3
and Rashi 22:4) Therefore he retained Balaam to curse the Jewish nation.
" The impure husks only imitate the source of holiness from which they stem...."
But the impure husks only imitate the source of holiness from
which they stem. In truth, all of Balak's efforts were in vain. Instead of
cursing Israel, he blessed them in a most eloquent fashion. Concerning a
gathering of righteous men, the Talmud says, "It is pleasant for them and
pleasant for all of Creation - but woe to the one who gathers together in the
company of evil ones" (Sanhedrin 71b)
This also explains the use of the word "congregation" (Num.
22:4), referring to the Jewish nation. In the previous verse the Jewish people
were called "a people"; now Balak calls them a "congregation", from the root
word meaning "to gather together". When there is Jewish unity, there is no force
which can do us harm!
[Based on Me'or V'Shemesh and other
sources in Kabbalah and Chasidut; First published in B'Ohel Hatzadikim, Balak 5759]
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