From the Rabbi:
In this week's double parsha, we read about Bilam who was commanded by Balak the king of Moav to curse the children of Israel.
Interestingly, the Torah describes Bilam’s means of transportation at some length (Bamidbar 22:21-27), and even the conversation Bilam had with the donkey (Bamidbar 22:28-30)
Dr. Rachel Reich makes a fascinating observation. She points out ten stories in Tanach where the donkey is mentioned. In Torah: Avraham getting ready for the Akeda, the Binding of Isaac (Beresheet 22:3), Moshe on the way to Egypt with Tzipora and their two sons (Shmot 4:20), Bilam heading over to curse the Children of Israel (Bamidbar 22:21).
Then in the Prophets: the Levi going to retrieve his concubine who ends up getting abused in Givah (Shoftim 19:28); Avigail rushing to try to appease King David (Shmuel I 25:20); Achitophel’s last journey before he ends up committing suicide (Shmuel II 17:23); Mephiboshet’s plans to ride the donkey but Ziba the servant doesn’t help him (Shmuel II 19:27); Shimi hurrying to get his slaves back, despite his oath that he would not leave Jerusalem (Melachim I 2:40); the sons of the false prophet saddling the donkey so that their father could pursue the man of God (Melachim I 13:13); and the Shunamite woman dashing to see Elisha to beg him to revive her child (Melachim II 4:24).
Dr. Reich points out that in each of these stories, the person riding on the donkey is trying to fulfill a mission with a sense of urgency, and each time things don’t turn out as expected. In each story, "man plans and God laughs." So, Avraham did not sacrifice Yitzchak even though he thought that he would be expected to; Tzipora and her family didn’t end up going to Egypt, rather they went back to Midian; Bilam blessed the Children of Israel instead of cursing them.
Dr. Reich's observation teaches a stark lesson about expecting the unexpected. Think of our plans for the coming week, month, summer, year. We might feel a sense of certainty as to what to expect but we simply do not know what the next day will bring. Thus, we learn in Pirkei Avot that we should do Teshuva (Repentance/Return) the day before we pass away. And, as the commentators teach, no one knows their last day, thus Teshuva is a daily practice. All we have is right here, right now and as Pirkei Avot is teaching, we need to take advantage of this moment as if everything hinges on it.
Shabbat Shalom!
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NOTE: Wednesday's class is being paused until further notice.
Saturday at 8:00 pm - Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers)
Sunday at 7:00 pm - KOT Beit Midrash
Tuesday at 1:00 pm - Parsha Conversations
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