Rabbi Sacks writes that the prophets were not powerful individuals, they had no authoritative roles, and were deeply unpopular. He further writes that when prophecy is fulfilled then it has failed, since the words of the prophets were to warn the people away from potential danger. If Israel was unfaithful to its covenant then it would fail.
Dr. Sinclair questions why women didn’t protest the social order in ancient times. She comments that the 5 women are minor characters, they are identified by name instead of by relationship to a man, they break protocol twice by speaking directly with Moses, and they protest the accepted social order. Yet the actual text is powerful.
Rabbi Sacks writes of the similarities between the narrative of Elijah and of Pinchas, both classified as zealots, and both rebuked, albeit gently, by God. Scholars are ambivalent about PInchas; while his zeal was well-intended, he didn’t act within the moral parameters of Jewish law. God rebuked him by removing him to a position of mandatory peace, while Elijah was rebuked for not hearing “the still small voice”.
Rabbi Schwartz cites the Jerusalem Talmud in connecting the parashah and clapping. The Talmud states that when Balak clapped his hands in anger at Balaam’s blessings, it reflected a loss of control, and submission to anger. Both emotions violate the peaceful spirit of Shabbat.
Rabbi Bouskila writes about tax assessment in 17th century Damascus: a ceiling was imposed on assets that could be taxed, so that the wealthy would not hide their financial holdings. He cites Rabbi Shmuel Vital, a rabbi of the time and place, who hesitated, considering that no action would harm the community, while engaging in the dispute would make enemies.
Bilaam, traditionally, is denied a share in the World to Come. Yet God chose him to bless Israel. How does this make sense? Bilaam said “It is a nation dwelling alone, not reckoned among the nations.” What does this mean?
Rabbi Lewittes addresses the well-known conundrum of this ritual that doesn’t seem rational. She cites the Tosafot which describes the mitzvah of the Red Heifer as something to be experienced rather than explained. She also comments that the ritual burning of the animal destroys any notion of perfection.
Rabbi Lewittes addresses the well-known conundrum of this ritual that doesn’t seem rational. She cites the Tosafot which describes the mitzvah of the Red Heifer as something to be experienced rather than explained. She also comments that the ritual burning of the animal destroys any notion of perfection.
Rabbi Sacks questions what made this trial different for Moses. Why did he lose control at this time and place? He suggests that Moses lost control because he was mourning for his loss of Miriam – his sister as well as a mother figure.
Rabbi Novis-Deutsch questions what was wrong with Korah’s message. Why was it wrong to say that everyone is holy? Yet, Korach’s message really seems to be about asking for his own personal superiority, next to Moses and Aaron, rather than everyone in the community being considered equal. Rather, the message should be that because we are all holy, an individual should not see himself as superior by simply saying that everyone is holy.