Parshas Balak, the process of transformation

This week's Parsha is Balak.

This week's Parsha Perspective is sponsored by the Birman family in memory of Efraim Ben Shaul, may his soul be uplifted and his memory a blessing.

This week's Parsha Perspective is also dedicated in honor of the Yahrzeit of my grandfather Yehuda Ben Aaron, may his soul be uplifted and his memory a blessing.

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Balak, the king of Moav worrying about his upcoming battle with the Jewish people. So Balak recruited Balaam, the famous non-Jewish prophet to curse the Jewish people, and hopefully defeat them in battle.

G‑d allowed Balaam to go — provided that he only speaks the words that G‑d would dictate to him. When Balaam arrived in Moav, he instructed Balak to build seven altars and offer sacrifices to G-d. However, instead of cursing the Jewish people, Balaam showered them with blessings.

So Balak takes Balaam to another location, hoping that Balaam can curse the Jews from there. They build more altars and offer sacrifices, however, Balaam again blessed the Jewish people.

When the entire process repeats itself a third time, and yet again only blessings came out of Balaam's mouth, Balak despaired of accomplishing his goal and sent Balaam on his way.

We find out why we name a Parsha after a person who tried to curse the Jewish people.

We learn why we must work diligently towards our goals, even if we do not see any results.