Torah Thoughts
In Parashat Balak, the king Balak attempts to use the magician Bilam to curse the Jews. Bilam rides a donkey, but is stopped by an angel (magical messenger) who remains invisible until Bilam beats the donkey in an attempt to pass. The donkey speaks to Bilam and asks why he is beating such a loyal animal. Bilam then sees the angel.
Nonetheless, Bilam continues in his attempts to earn the great sums of money Balak is to pay for the curse, but is unable to do so. Instead, God makes Bilam bless the Jews with the words “Ma tovu ohalecha Ya’akov, mishkenotecha Yisrael,” (How great are your tents, Jacob….) words we use to this day upon entering the synagogue.
