Balak – Despite All Odds

Balak – Despite All Odds

Some people just thrive on being prophets of doom. One such person was the King Balak in this week’s parsha of the same name. Noting the approach of the Jewish people into his fiefdom, he spreads the stories of Jewish successes against Egypt, the Midianites and the Amalekites, embellished with stories of supposed Jewish excesses.

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Korach – The Cancer of Envy

Korach – The Cancer of Envy

Korach, the central figure, and name, of our Parsha this week, was a gifted individual. Smart, eloquent, wealthy, holding a high position, and a member of Moses’ own  family, he had everything going for him. But he had a   flawed character. He wanted more. He craved the  leadership of the Jewish people. Or at

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Nasso – A Baby in Mother’s Womb

Nasso – A Baby in Mother’s Womb

This week’s parsha, introduces the concept of Vidduy, public confession of one’s wrong doings and shortcomings. Verbalising these publicly, leaves a profound effect, intensifying regret and remorse. Both of these then lead to Teshuva, a tangible return to correct behaviour. Teshuva spiritually undoes the harm that may have occurred and transforms it into a plus.

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Pinchas – Criticising the Critic

Pinchas – Criticising the Critic

Pinchas was criticised by many as a young upstart who didn’t respect his elders by taking the law into his own hands. Later adjudged a hero, this didn’t stop criticism beforehand.  Why? Because often we criticise for very wrong motives of envy, or result of egotism, or hostility.  Don’t criticise until one’s motives can be

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