Chabad Tokyo Japan

Based on the proverb “The name of the wicked will rot,” the Sages advised against naming a child after an evil person to avoid perpetuating their name. This raises a significant question about our Parsha, which is named after the wicked Balak. Balak hated Israel more than any other enemy. How can a Torah portion be named after such a wicked person?

Balak represents a disconnection from holiness, yet he was a great sage who understood the lineage of the kingdom of Israel, including King David. Ruth the Moabite, an ancestor of King David and the Moshiach was a descendant of Balak. This suggests that Balak signifies a unique form of holiness that emerges from transforming evil into good.

Initially, Balak was the antithesis of holiness, symbolizing separation from it. However, the highest form of holiness—King David and his descendent King Moshiach—eventually emerged from him. G-d’s work involves both doing good and transforming evil into good. Studying the Torah and keeping the mitzvot represent pure goodness. However, when a human being combats evil and transforms it into good, it brings divine light to this world. This is exemplified by repentance, which turns sins into merits and elevates the penitent to a higher level than the perfectly righteous.

The Torah hints at this transformation of evil to good by naming a portion after Balak. The goal is not to focus on evil but to clarify and correct it, ultimately leading to the kingdom of David and the Moshiach. Balak, therefore, symbolizes the transformation of bad into good.

This also serves as a lesson for everyone. The Torah teaches that it is possible to overcome evil and even sanctify it, achieving the highest level of holiness. When encountering someone who seems disconnected from G-d, one should recognize that this situation can be transformed for the good, revealing the spark of his soul. This transformation can help bring us closer to the true and complete redemption.

*This is from a series of articles by Rabbi Bernstein Moshe.

In Noahide’s teachings, the concepts of “influencer” and “receiver” are fundamental principles that describe the dynamics of spiritual and physical interactions in various realms of the physical and spiritual universe. These concepts are deeply rooted in the understanding of how divine energy flows and manifests in creation.

Influencer
The influencer is the one who gives, transmits, or imparts energy, knowledge, or blessings. In Kabbalistic terms, the influencer is often associated with the masculine principle, which is active, initiating, and outward-directed. The influencer channels divine light or energy from higher spiritual realms down into the material world, acting as a conduit for divine blessings and guidance.

Receiver
The receiver is the one who receives, absorbs, and integrates the energy, knowledge, or blessings from the influencer. The receiver is associated with the feminine principle, which is passive, receptive, and inward-directed. The receiver takes in the divine light or energy and internalizes it, allowing it to nurture, develop, and bring forth new life or new spiritual insights. The relationship between the influencer and the receiver is one of mutual dependence and complementarity. Neither can function fully without the other.

The influencer needs the receiver to fulfill the purpose of their giving. Without a receiver, the influencer’s energy or knowledge would have no place to go and no purpose to serve. Conversely, the receiver needs the influencer to provide the necessary energy, guidance, or nourishment to grow and develop. The influencer and receiver together create a complete and harmonious whole. In the context of human relationships, particularly in marriage, the man is the influencer, and the woman is the receiver.

This concept also reflects the biological and psychological differences between men and women. Men are often seen as more externally focused, while women are viewed as more internally focused, nurturing the family and home environment. The union of man and woman, each fulfilling their roles as influencer and receiver, is seen as a reflection of the divine union between G‑d and the Shechinah (the divine presence). This union brings about completeness and harmony, both in the spiritual and physical realms.

In practical terms, the dynamic of influencer and receiver can manifest in various aspects of daily life: In a balanced relationship, both partners recognize the value of their roles and work together to support each other. The man respects and values the woman’s contributions, while the woman appreciates the man’s guidance and protection.

The concepts of influencer and receiver highlight the importance of harmonious relationships where both roles are valued and respected. This dynamic, when understood and practiced, can lead to a balanced and fulfilling life, reflecting the divine order and bringing spiritual and material blessings into the world.

In the messianic era, the concept of influencer and receiver will be fully materialized, as there will be no concealment and the spiritual and materialistic world will combine perfectly.

*This is from a series of articles by Rabbi Bernstein Moshe.

The Torah portion of Korach provides a powerful lesson about the consequences of opposing divinely appointed leadership. Together with his supporters, Korach questions Moses and Aaron’s authority and attempts to take over their positions as leaders. This rebellion is not just a political maneuver but a fundamental challenge to the divine order and G‑d’s chosen leaders.
Moses and Aaron’s leadership aimed to maintain unity and guide the people towards their divine mission. This story emphasizes the value of unity and the dangers of internal strife and conflict.

Korach’s challenge was not merely against Moses and Aaron as individuals but against G‑d’s authority and decision. The rebellion demonstrated a lack of faith in G‑d’s choices and a desire to disrupt the established divine order. This teaches us the importance of respecting and accepting divinely appointed leadership.

The severe consequences faced by Korach and his followers highlight the seriousness of opposing G‑d’s will. Their dramatic punishment served as a clear message to the Israelites and actually to the entire humanity about the importance of obedience and faith in G‑d’s plan and His true prophets.

In our generation, we can apply this lesson by respecting the divine and prophetic leadership of our generation, represented by the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Recognizing the authority of leaders who act in accordance with divine principles is crucial. In a world where authority is often questioned, it is important to follow guidance that aligns with the divine seven Noahide laws. These lessons are timeless and applicable to our generation, guiding us in how to approach the beginning of the Messianic Era, which we are already experiencing.

*This is from a series of articles by Rabbi Bernstein Moshe.

In the Torah portion “Shlach,” we see a stark contrast between the Torah reading and the Haftarah, the prophetic reading. In the Torah portion, the spies sent by Moses return to the Israelites with a discouraging report, claiming that conquering the land of Israel is impossible due to the strength and number of its inhabitants. This report demoralizes the people of Israel.

In contrast, the Haftarah- prophetic reading, describes the mission of two spies, Caleb and Joshua, who return with an encouraging report despite facing significant challenges. Pursued by the king of Jericho and forced to hide, they still manage to deliver a positive message, believing that the Israelites can succeed in conquering the land of Israel.

This raises the question: why is there such a contrast between these two readings? The difference lies in their mindsets. The spies sent by Moses relied heavily on their intellect and assessment of the situation, while the two spies in the Haftarah, Caleb, and Joshua, were strong in their trust in Moses and his leadership.

This explains the difference in outcomes. These contrasting stories highlight the importance of belief and trust. When faced with challenges, faith can empower us, even when logic seems discouraging. The Haftarah emphasizes that success depends not just on the situation but also on our perspective, particularly our full trust in Moses’ leadership, which guides the people of Israel in every generation.

*This is from a series of articles by Rabbi Bernstein Moshe.