Parshas Balak: Choices and Blessings

Parshas Balak: Choices and Blessings The Parsha Perspective is in honor of Eretz Yisroel.  May G-d protect our brave soldiers.  May G-d return all the hostages in Gaza immediately.  This week's Parsha Perspective is in memory of my grandfather, Rav Yeudah Ben Aaron, Shlomo Ben Edward, Edward Ben Efraim, and Yirachmiel Daniel Ben Gedalia. May their souls be uplifted and their memories a blessing.  This week's Parsha Perspective is in the merit of the holy Ohr Hachaim, Rav Chaim Ibn Attar, a commentay I use frequently. His Yahrzeit, the anniversary of his passing, is on the 15th of Tammuz, this upcoming Sunday.   The release date of this episode is the 12th of Tammuz, which marks the birthday and release from prison of the previous Rebbe, Rav Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, the sixth Chabad Rebbe. Born in 1880, the Rebbe, known as the Rayyatz, led with courage and dedication, keeping Judaism alive during dark times. In 1940, he came to America and founded a Yeshiva, declaring, "Amerike iz nit andersh - America is no different." His legacy lives on through his passion, care for every Jew, and dedication to G-d, magnified by his son-in-law, our Rebbe. Click here to listen, watch and connect! Parshaperspective.com  Our Parsha tells us the story of Balak and Balaam. Balak, the king of Moav, was worried about his upcoming battle with the Jewish people.  Moshe and the Jewish nation had just won their wars with the powerful countries of Emor and Bashon.  So Balak recruited Balaam, the famous non-Jewish prophet, to curse the Jewish people and hopefully defeat the Jewish nation in battle. We find out what made Balak afraid. We learn the significance of each choice we make.