In this week’s sedra we read: “In the morning Bila m arose, saddled his she-donkey, and went with the Moabite dignitaries.” Rashi explains: “From here [we learn] that hate causes a disregard for the standard [of dignified conduct], for he saddled it himself. The Holy One, blessed is He, said, ‘Wicked one, their father Avr ohom has already preceded you, as it says, Abraham arose in the morning and saddled his donkey.’”
Why is it important and relevant for us to know this?
When it comes to learning Torah or engaging in certain challenging matters of Yiddishkeit, we sometimes justify our apathy by rationalizing that these things are beyond us. “I don’t have the brains/time/energy to study such difficult subjects.” Or, “It’s totally out of character for me to get involved in matters like these.”
Justifications indeed. Until we prove ourselves wrong.
If I truly don’t have the brains/time/energy, then how is it that I find those when it comes to the things I care about? How is it that I go beyond my comfort zone when perusing something I really want, even when it means lowering my dignity?
This double standard makes it difficult to defend our behavior.
But Hashem knows us. When He sees us doing the Bilam thing, going all out for our personal matters, He reminds us to “disregard the standard of dignified conduct” but to do so for matters of Yiddishkeit.
When I find myself filling the role of mother tiger when it comes to my child’s material needs, I should remember this moment and harness this strength when it comes to my child’s spiritual needs. When I find that I’m able to solve issues at work or learn how to maximize credit card points, I should ask myself where these abilities would get me if I committed them to Torah.
If we can be persistent when it comes to getting a refund for a canceled flight, we should certainly be at least as persistent in demanding of Hashem to bring Moshiach, now!
A Gut’n Shabbos,
Rabbi Mordechai Lipskier
