Chukat-Balak

Jono makes jokes, get struck by lightning, and figures out how to mute G-fish. Watch, laugh, and maybe drink a soda?

The liberation of the Frierdiker Rebbe on the 12rh of Tammuz is connected to both the parsha of Chukas and Balak. The key lies in his unique Mesiras Nefesh, self-sacrifice for Judaism in three parts.

The wicked Balaam wished to curse the Jews, but when he saw the Jewish camp, he simply had to bless us. What was it that he saw?

Anti-Semitism is a powerful, negative, thoroughly unholy phenomenon. Stripped of its negativity, however, its raw power can be used in the service of holiness.

The Red Heifer is the single most incomprehensible commandment in the Torah. By the same token, it most accurately represents the most incomprehensible part of the soul.

Balaam’s famous prophetic words “Ma Tovu” occupy a unique place of prominence in the Hebrew Scriptures, our daily prayers and Jewish liturgical compositions. Oftentimes even emblazoned on Holy Ark’s and Synagogue facades, they clearly contain many marvelo...

When Balaam, the greatest gentile prophet attempts to curse the Jewish nation, G-d inspires him to bless us instead. Rashi identifies a nuance in the wording he uses, which illustrates just how deeply G-d cares for His chosen people.