Balak 5781: The Strange Case of the Talking Donkey

Posted by Michael Hattin on June 22, 2021
Topics: Torah, Pardes from Jerusalem, Bamidbar (Numbers), Balak

Parshat Balak is highly unusual. On the one hand, it does not contain even a single mitzvah. On the other hand, it describes events that are supernatural and strange. Perhaps the most peculiar occurrence in the parasha concerns Bilam’s talking donkey, who engages in a heated conversation with the seer as he makes his way to Moav in order to curse the people of Israel. In this podcast, we will consider the matter. (Numbers 22:1 – 25:9)

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Credits
Rabbi Michael Hattin – Faculty and Host for Pardes from Jerusalem
Rabbi Adam Titcher – Lead Consultant and Producer
Arlene Harel – Faculty Coordinator

About Michael Hattin

Michael teaches Bible and Halakha at Pardes. He holds a professional degree in Architecture from the University of Toronto and rabbinic ordination from the Chief Rabbinate of Israel. He teaches Chumash and Prophets as well as Halakha at the Pardes Institute. You can find books written by Michael by clicking here For many years Michael authored the weekly online publications Introduction to Parasha and Lessons on Prophets for the Virtual Beit Midrash of Yeshivat Har Etzion, reaching a combined readership of several thousand. Click here to read more.

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