Balak: Unexpected Blessings
Dear readers,
The alarm clock rings, jolting you out of a deep sleep. How do you react to this daily challenge? Do you hit the snooze button, still half asleep? Stumble groggily out of bed, groping for a cup of coffee? Or perhaps you smile as you get up, looking forward to a new day full of potential?
As I studied this week’s Torah portion, these words of Balaam, the gentile prophet, caught my eye: “Behold, a people that rises like the king of beasts and lifts itself like a lion” (Numbers 23:24).
The commentators elucidate Balaam’s words: “When they awaken from their sleep in the morning they show the vigor of a lion to seize mitzvahs . . .”
The morning sets the tone for the day, and the right attitude makes all the difference. Before you embark on your daily routine, thank your Creator for the gift of life that He renews every morning. Rise with the enthusiasm and energy of the king of beasts, and take full advantage of the blessings and opportunities of the day ahead.
Rochel Chein
Responder for Ask the Rabbi @ Chabad.org
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“Every day, the Torah must be new to you.” (Sifrei)
Torah is our life, and life is here and now, forever new.
Which means that for you to be truly alive, the Torah you learn today must touch the core of your soul.
And the same tomorrow. And the next day as well.
To live with Torah is to be forever newly born.
