Parashat Chukat-Balak 5783

by Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields

In the double portion of Parashat Chukat-Balak, we read the story of the King of Moav, Balak ben Zippor, hiring Balaam to curse B’nai Israel, the children of Israel. The donkey prevents Balaam from traveling, and eventually instead of cursing the children of Israel, Balaam actually blesses them with the famous words, “Ma Tovu Ohalecha Yaakov Mishkenotecha Yisrael” – How goodly are your tents O Israel.” We see a curse literally turning into a blessing, lemons being made into lemonade, right here in our Torah portion. There are those who do not agree with this premise, that a bad situation can become good. But perhaps we can see bad situations (or curses) as opportunities to grow and learn. We have all been through trials and travails – individually and universally – we have lived through a pandemic! WLCJ has definitely created opportunities out of our challenges. We did it together, b’yachad, and as a community of sisters, we give each other strength.  Chazak v’Ematz – Be Strong and Courageous!