Balak
"Mah Tovu"
"How good are your tents, O Jacob, your dwelling places, O Israel!"
This blessing headlines the story of this week's Parsha, Balak the King of Moab, hiring Balam. He is entrusted with the job of cursing the Jewish People to ward off their impeding entry to the Promised Land.
After repeated attempts to inflict curses and ill wishes, the above mentioned blessing, "Ma Tovu," is the final straw in angering an obviously annoyed Balak.
The verse tells us: "Balak's anger flared against Balaam, and he clapped his hands. Balak said to Balaam, 'I called you to curse my enemies, but you have blessed them these three times.'"
The Tzror Hamor points out that it was this blessing specifically, that bothered Balak more than the rest. That is why here his exasperation was manifested by his hand gestures, signaling his displeasure.
The question, however, remains. What was it about this blessing, that bothered Balak more than all the others?
The Tzror Hamor explains, that because within these words are contained the message of the eternal continuity of the Jewish People.
The Hebrew word for dwellings, "Mishkanotecha" translates as an actual place of resting. As Rashi points out, this alludes to the Mishkan and Beit Hamikdash that would ultimately be built in the Land of Israel.
Alternatively, the same Hebrew letters make up the word "Mashkon," which means collateral. The Beit Hamikdash served not only as a House of worship, but also as a security, guaranteeing the relationship between G‑d and the Jewish People.
Even if the people may err from their mission, G‑d promised He would not destroy them, instead he would destroy the Temple. The actual spot and location served as a reminder of the relationship between G‑d and the Jewish People.
Furthermore, the word "Mishkanotecha" is in plural form. This tells us that there are two
"Mashkon's," or two separate forms of a collateral. Not two separate physical locations or objects, but two expressions of this guarantee, expressed at two different times.
This special connection and spiritual energy that was there while the Temple stood, continues on. Both while the Temple stood and in it's destruction, the bond between the Jewish People and G‑d continue; and that special location, "Mishkanotecha," continues. To this very day, the holiness of the location of the Beit Hamikdash continues.
This is why Balak was so disappointed, says the Tzror Hamor. Instead of listening to words predicting the defeat and destruction of the Jewish People, and being barred entry from the Holy Land, Balam was there proclaiming the secret of Jewish continuity.
The connection between the Jewish People and G‑d, is at all times and in all places, with blessings and support. It always remains and emanates from the very same location, the place of the Temple, the Beit Hamikdash in the Land of Israel.
Shabbat Shalom!
Portuguese Jewish history is a rich tapestry of accomplishment and challenge spanning the centuries. Portugal's shores have produced and housed some of our greatest Rabbis and leaders. From statesman, leader and scholar Rabbi Don Yitzchak Abarbanel to Shulchan Aruch author Rabbi Yosef Karo in the 15th century through to the Lubavitcher Rebbe's time in Lisbon in 1941, Portugal has enabled tremendous developments in strengthening community and Torah.
It is in recognition of the timeless nature of these commitments, and in honor of all of those Jews who have called Portugal home through times of brilliance and darkness, that these Torah insight's from Portugal's great Rabbis is produced - here in Portugal.
Special thanks to Rabbi Shlomo Pereira for the Portuguese translation.