Parashat Balak: Like Gardens by a River

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Parashat Balak: “Like Gardens by a River”

What Do Bilam’s Blessings Teach About Israel’s Constant Connection to Hashem? 

What Makes Trees and Souls Flourish in the Land of Israel?

Last Shabbat, as I strolled through our back garden, I was struck by how much the trees had grown. Just over twenty-five years ago, they were tiny saplings. Today, they form a living wall at the edge of our property, their branches intertwined, concealing the unattractive grey house below. The transformation from tiny saplings to towering trees did not happen overnight. It unfolded so gradually that I hardly noticed it.

The same is true of my children and grandchildren. My son, who was only three years old when we planted those trees, is now nearly thirty. Over the years, he has matured from a carefree child into a responsible husband. Changes that seem imperceptible while we are living through them eventually reveal themselves all at once. My granddaughters, once tender and mischievous little girls, now stand taller than many of the adults around them. They are graduating from high school and preparing to enter either the army or Sherut Leumi (National Service).

We adults continue to grow as well, for revealed and hidden good alike. Each wrinkle arrives with a gentle measure of wisdom. It seems like only yesterday that I danced ecstatically at my own wedding. Later, I danced at the weddings of my children, and with G-d’s help, I hope to dance at the weddings of my grandchildren as well. Our skin has been tanned by years beneath the sustaining sun, our faces weathered by time, and our hearts have been opened through the steady streams of Torah in which we have immersed ourselves.

Reflecting on these changes, I am reminded of the profound insight of Rabbi Akiva. Watching water drip steadily onto a stone, he realized that if something as soft as water could eventually carve a hole in solid rock, then surely the words of Torah could penetrate and transform the human heart. Living in the Land of Israel, surrounded by the atmosphere of Torah and nourished by its teachings day after day, I have come to appreciate the truth of that lesson. Just as trees flourish through years of sunlight and water, so too people are shaped and elevated through the steady nourishment of the Land of Israel and its Torah.

What Nourishment Enabled Israel to Flourish Like a Garden?

Like the gardens beside the river in Bilam’s prophecy, growth is often imperceptible from day to day, yet over time it transforms us completely. What is the source of the nourishment that enables such flourishing? Bilam’s blessing offers a beautiful answer through its imagery of gardens, rivers, and mighty trees nourished by abundant waters.

ספר במדבר פרק כד פסוק ו כִּנְחָלִים נִטָּיוּ כְּגַנֹּת עֲלֵי נָהָר כַּאֲהָלִים נָטַע ה' כַּאֲרָזִים עֲלֵי מָיִם:

“Like valleys stretched out, like gardens by a river, like aloes planted by Hashem, like cedars beside the waters” (Bamidbar 24:6).

Although Balak hired Bilam to curse Israel, Hashem transformed his intended curses into blessings. In one of the most beautiful blessings in the Torah, Bilam compares the Israelites to flourishing gardens, fragrant aloes, and mighty cedars nourished by abundant waters.

The common thread uniting all of these images is nourishment. Gardens flourish because they receive a constant supply of water. Trees grow tall and strong because their roots remain connected to a source of life. In the same way, the spiritual vitality of Israel depends upon remaining connected to the flow of Divine blessing. This imagery echoes King David’s description of the righteous person: “He shall be as a tree planted beside streams of water, that yields its fruit in its season, and whose leaf does not wither, and whatever he does prospers” (Tehillim 1:3). Just as a tree flourishes through its continual access to water, so too spiritual growth depends upon remaining connected to a constant source of Divine nourishment. 

Unlike a building, which can be completed in a short time, a garden develops gradually through continual care and nourishment. Spiritual growth follows the same pattern. The Jewish people became holy not through a single moment of inspiration but through the steady nourishment of Torah, mitzvot, prayer, and Divine providence. Just as a garden must be watered continually, so too the soul requires constant nourishment in order to flourish.

Why Does Bilam Compare Israel to Gardens Beside a River?

The Midrash explains that Bilam secretly wished to deprive Israel of its spiritual vitality, yet every intended curse emerged as a blessing instead. The depth of Bilam’s evil intentions and hatred for Israel far exceeded that of the wicked Balak. While Balak merely said אָרָה/arah – “curse” (Bamidbar 22:6), Bilam intensified the request and said קָבָה/kavah – “utterly curse” (Bamidbar 22:11). Bilam led the Israelites astray through immorality, seeking to undermine Israel spiritually as well as physically – uprooting them from both this world and the World to Come (Midrash Bamidbar Rabbah 20:9).

Yet precisely through his unintended blessing, Bilam revealed the secret of Israel’s endurance and flourishing. When he declared, “Like gardens by a river,” he unknowingly testified to the enduring source of Israel’s strength.

Bilam’s blessing describes far more than physical prosperity. The people of Israel are compared to gardens because they draw their vitality from an unceasing source. A garden dependent upon occasional rainfall may flourish one season and wither the next. However, a garden planted beside a flowing river enjoys a constant source of nourishment. The river itself often goes unnoticed, yet everything around it flourishes because of its presence. Just as the river continually nourishes the tree, Torah continually nourishes the soul. The more deeply rooted we become in Torah, the more resilient and fruitful our lives become. 

Why Are Torah Scholars Compared to Rivers and Gardens?

According to Rabbi Ovadiah Sforno, the synagogues and study halls of Israel are compared to rivers that flow out to irrigate distant fields. Just as water spreads life wherever it travels, Torah scholars spread nourishing wisdom wherever they teach.

Those who teach Torah are compared to flowing rivers that carry life-giving waters to distant places, while those devoted to prayer are compared to gardens flourishing beside a river. The river channels nourishment outward, while the garden receives that nourishment and transforms it into fruit, beauty, and blessing. Together, they illustrate two complementary forms of Divine sustenance: transmitting spiritual abundance and cultivating it until it bears fruit.

This distinction reveals two important dimensions of spiritual growth. Some people excel at receiving nourishment. They devote themselves to prayer, contemplation, and personal spiritual development. Others focus on transmitting nourishment by teaching, encouraging, and guiding others. Both are essential. Just as a river and a garden depend upon one another, spiritual life requires both inward growth and outward influence.

How Do We Become Rivers of Nourishment for Others?

Much of our spiritual nourishment comes from sources that we may take for granted: daily prayer, Torah study, acts of kindness, and the quiet workings of Divine providence. These steady streams of nourishment shape us far more profoundly than occasional moments of inspiration.

Rabbi Avraham Chaim of Zlotchov explains that Bilam’s blessing, “Like cedars beside the waters,” refers not to isolated righteous individuals who keep their spirituality to themselves, but to those who remain connected to others. The ideal tzaddik receives from those greater than himself and shares with those who need guidance and encouragement. The blessings he receives do not end with him but continue onward to nourish many others (Orach LaChaim, Balak). 

Spiritual nourishment is meant to flow. Water that ceases to flow eventually becomes stagnant, whereas flowing water remains fresh and life-giving. Those who receive Torah, wisdom, and inspiration are called upon to become channels through which these blessings reach others.

Similarly, the Chozeh of Lublin explains that “Like gardens by a river” refers to those who gather together to serve Hashem and fulfill His will. The river symbolizes the Divine flow that nourishes the garden, while each person contributes according to the unique spiritual path that Hashem has planted within them (Divrei Emet, Balak). Just as no two plants in a garden are identical, each soul receives its own mission and nourishment from the same Divine wellspring.

Bilam’s blessing teaches that lasting growth depends not upon sporadic bursts of spiritual enthusiasm but upon remaining connected to a constant source of living waters. The healthiest gardens are not those that receive the most dramatic rainfall, but those continually nourished by an ever-flowing river. When we remain connected to the wellsprings of Torah and share their waters with others, we become part of the very blessing that Bilam was compelled to pronounce upon Israel.

Parashat Balak: Are Entitlement Expectations in Relationships a Trait Inherited from Bilam?

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Parashat Balak

Are Entitlement Expectations in Relationships a Trait Inherited from Bilam?

How Does Letting Go of Expectations Help Keep Us Content?
Our unrealistic expectations cause frustration and disappointment. We make our lives miserable with any expectations we have of people, situations, and what we feel entitled to receive. With this kind of attitude, we can G-d forbid easily become addicted to material goods and expressions of appreciation. If I expect a sweet thank you phone call in return for spending time selecting a special birthday gift for my granddaughter, I could get upset if she only writes me a short thank you message. So, I have learned, that to keep myself happy I must stop expecting anything. If I didn’t expect any expression of gratitude, I would be so grateful for a short thank you message even without any emoji. Over the years in my interactions with my students, I have noticed the difference between those who make demands and those who make humble requests, whether for getting their doorknob fixed, receiving more respect from fellow students, changing their tutor or study partner, or for a change in B’erot lunch menu. Beneath the demands are the disappointed expectations of a self-important person who feels entitled to be treated like a princess. Yet the exact same wants can be expressed completely differently when they derive from the humility of accepting that it may not work out to fill all their needs at a given time. “You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar” isn’t limited to its superficial meaning that you can win people to your side more easily by gentle persuasion than by hostile confrontation. In my experience, I’m naturally much more prone to extend myself to do everything in my power to fulfill a humble request rather than an entitled demand. Whereas I’m repelled when people relate to me as a servant created to fulfill their needs, I will even anticipate, serve, and accommodate the unexpressed needs of others. Being the director of a midrasha with students from the four corners of the world, I have learned to appreciate the differences between some of those who emerge from the Western culture influenced by the greedy Esav always wanting more, and students from the East especially from India, who come from a very humble and respectful culture. Yet we Jews returning to Israel – to our ancestors’ spiritual heritage – are learning to return to the character traits of a good eye, humility, and modest desires that Avraham our Father possessed. 

What is the Difference between Spirituality and Holiness?
I often speak about the difference between spirituality and holiness. Whereas a person can be very spiritual but rotten to the core, holiness is G-dliness, and can only emerge from the light of a person with a refined character. Although Bilam was known as a uniquely spiritual person highly attuned to G-d’s will, his spirituality was drawn from the depths of tumah (impurity). In contrast, the spiritual greatness of Moshe and Avraham was enveloped in the highest realms of kedusha – sanctity. Holiness is ohr – the pure refraction of Hashem’s light that requires a suitable vessel – a receptacle of sterling character traits that match the light it needs to contain. Spirituality is at great risk of falling to a place of tumah and darkness without such a vessel to hold the light. Bilam is the perfect example of a spiritual person lacking holiness. Whereas Avraham was generous, humble, and modest, Bilam was self-centered, arrogant, and driven by money and all it could buy.

פרקי אבות פרק ה פסוק יט כָּל מִי שֶׁיֵּשׁ בְּיָדוֹ שְׁלשָׁה דְבָרִים הַלָּלוּ, מִתַּלְמִידָיו שֶׁל אַבְרָהָם אָבִינוּ. וּשְׁלשָׁה דְבָרִים אֲחֵרִים, מִתַּלְמִידָיו שֶׁל בִּלְעָם הָרָשָׁע. עַיִן טוֹבָה, וְרוּחַ נְמוּכָה, וְנֶפֶשׁ שְׁפָלָה, מִתַּלְמִידָיו שֶׁל אַבְרָהָם אָבִינוּ. עַיִן רָעָה, וְרוּחַ גְּבוֹהָה, וְנֶפֶשׁ רְחָבָה, מִתַּלְמִידָיו שֶׁל בִּלְעָם הָרָשָׁע:

Whoever possesses these three things, he is of the disciples of Avraham, our father; and [whoever possesses] three other things, he is of the disciples of Bilam, the wicked. A good eye, a humble spirit, and modest desires are the traits of the disciples of Avraham, our father. An evil eye, a haughty spirit, and unbridled desires are the traits of the disciples of the wicked Bilam (Pirkei Avot 5:19).

How Do the Rabbis Learn of Bilam’s Trifold Negative Character Traits?
Firstly, Bilam’s mission – for which he was hired – was to curse the Jewish people, by casting an evil eye upon them. He was suitable for this job since he was an expert at bringing attention to the negative points of others. Being a master of the evil eye, his magic was to highlight the dark points of others, thus claiming that they didn’t deserve their blessings. Bilam also displayed his money greed – to which he felt entitled – by demanding a greater salary for his shady job:

ספר במדבר פרק כב פסוק יח וַיַּעַן בִּלְעָם וַיֹּאמֶר אֶל עַבְדֵי בָלָק אִם יִתֶּן לִי בָלָק מְלֹא בֵיתוֹ כֶּסֶף וְזָהָב לֹא אוּכַל לַעֲבֹר אֶת פִּי הָשֵׁם אֱלֹהָי לַעֲשׂוֹת קְטַנָּה אוֹ גְדוֹלָה:

“Bilam answered and said to Balak’s servants, ‘Even if Balak gives me a house full of silver and gold, I cannot do anything small or great that would transgress the word of Hashem, my G-d’” (Bamidbar 22:18).

Rashi explains that by mentioning A HOUSE FULL OF SILVER AND GOLD - Bilam exposed how he was greedy and coveted other people’s money. He said, “He ought to give me all his silver and gold, since he has to hire many armies, and even then, it is questionable whether he will be victorious or not, whereas I will certainly succeed.” [Midrash Tanchuma Balak; Midrash Bamidbar Rabbah 20:10]; (Rashi, Bamidbar 22:18). Moreover, Bilam wasn’t embarrassed to display his arrogance and honor-seeking when he twisted the reason why Hashem told him not to go with Balak’s entourage to curse Israel:

ספר במדבר פרק כב פסוק יב וַיֹּאמֶר אֱלֹהִים אֶל בִּלְעָם לֹא תֵלֵךְ עִמָּהֶם לֹא תָאר אֶת הָעָם כִּי בָרוּךְ הוּא: (יג) וַיָּקָם בִּלְעָם בַּבֹּקֶר וַיֹּאמֶר אֶל שָׂרֵי בָלָק לְכוּ אֶל אַרְצְכֶם כִּי מֵאֵן הָשֵׁם לְתִתִּי לַהֲלֹךְ עִמָּכֶם:

“G-d said to Bilam, ‘You shall not go with them! You shall not curse the people because they are blessed.’ When Bilam arose in the morning, he said to Balak’s nobles, ‘Return to your country, for Hashem has refused to let me go with you’” (Bamidbar 22:12-13).

Although Hashem very clearly tells him not to go with the Moabite officers to curse the Jews because the Jewish nation is blessed, Bilam reports this to the Moabite officers: “Hashem has refused to let me go with you.” Inferring that he will only be permitted to go with greater nobles. This shows us that he was conceited and unwilling to reveal that he was under the control of the Omnipresent except in an arrogant manner. Therefore, Balak had to sent… again…” (verse 15) - [Mid. Tanchuma Balak 6, Midrash Bamidbar Rabbah 20:10], (Rashi, Bamidbar 22:13). Entitlement is always toxic. It comes with arrogance, pride, and selfishness. Entitlement is operating under the delusion that you deserve something you have not yet earned.

All the Lonely People Where Do They All Come From?
I sometimes come across people who twist what others tell them in a way that sadly hurts themselves. My heart goes out to “all the lonely people…” although I may have a cue to answer, “…Where do they all come from?” They come from a place of misery that makes them feel entitled to their neediness. In their demand to belong, they feel abandoned, excluded, and ousted. I know such a lonely woman with a heart of gold, whose intense desire to belong causes her the most painful rejections. Since she is going through such horrific hardships without adequate support, when someone reaches out to her and offers her a little loving companionship, she will hang on to it for dear life. This attitude of entitlement to belong sets a vicious circle in motion where the one who initially reached out must set proper boundaries so that the relationship will not become imbalanced by the intensity of her need to belong, which greatly exceeds the ability of others to include her. The feeling of entitlement causes the lonely person to view the one who sets boundaries as mean, insensitive, and hurtful. Yes, I have been blamed for such traits, and even worse, when I invited a certain lonely woman to join my midrasha for a Shabbatton. When she insisted on coming again the following Shabbat and possibly every Shabbat, to hang out with the students, I had to set clear boundaries to ensure she wouldn’t overstay her welcome. I offered her to stay once a month in the company of the B’erot community where she feels she belongs. Had she only accepted my very best offer to be a monthly, beloved guest, she could have gained the companionship she so much craves. But no, due to her complicated family situation and her need for others to take on that role, she insisted that by limiting the times when she could join my midrasha, I was betraying her, sinning against her, hurting and breaking her. Sadly, she now shoots herself in the foot, refusing to wear any label and outfit upon which is written ‘monthly guest!’” which according to her “I think she should wear!” So my heart is crying for that lonely soul who can be so kind and loving at times, but who causes herself to remain in her loneliness through her grand expectations of others, which prevents her from receiving the finger as long as she cannot get the whole hand. I will continue to pray for this lonely unsupported woman who is going through so much hardship, what else can I do?

Gratitude Focus for the Week of Parashat Balak –

Some Tips for Letting Go of Expectations

It may be natural to expect our loved ones to support us during tough times. Unfortunately, in life, our expectations are constantly disappointed. Inevitably, our friends let us down, and when our expectations are not met, we are left feeling disappointed, hurt, angry, and resentful. Even though I empathize with the pain of being disappointed, I also reflect how often we end up just hurting ourselves, when we put high expectations on others. I have realized that lowering your expectations is the key to healthy and happy relationships. Often expectations can turn into entitlement. We feel entitled to be treated in certain ways, and when we aren’t, it can be confronting and disappointing. A common ‘entitlement’ expectation is in the way people communicate. For example, people who are reliable communicators will often become frustrated with others who are unclear, unreliable communicators. We may assume expectations of friends based on our values, not theirs. I was assuming that my friend also believed that you don’t ignore the messages of someone you care about. Thus, resenting her for ‘ignoring’ me was actually coming from a place of entitlement.

•        Prioritize Appreciation Over Expectations – Learn to trade expectations for appreciation, and your entire relationship – and life – will change. Instead of focusing on the negative, make a point to value what others can offer you. This will take you much further in your relationship. If you pay attention, there’s always something to appreciate. Appreciate your invitations to monthly dinner parties even if you would have preferred to be invited to weekly feasts. Appreciation can help put an end to your unhealthy expectations in a relationship.

•     Demonstrate Consideration – Healthy relationships hinge on consideration for others, their interests, and their relationship expectations. To show consideration, you must make a point to value your relationship over your relationship expectations. This is a real challenge since it’s easy to view your expectations or ‘rules’ as the basis of your relationship. When you value your partner over your rules, this paves the way for fulfilling both people’s expectations.

  ·       Be Grateful for the Good Points – Gratitude is our major defense against the wrath of entitlement that screams at others, and all they do, “It is simply NOT ENOUGH!” Yet, gratitude will help fill you with hope and belief in your friend, sister, daughter, or spouse.

  ·   Avoid Repetition – If you are in an argumentative pattern in your relationship, change your approach. If you don’t, you risk creating a circular loop where neither party is heard, leaving both feeling defeated. Take the high road and bow out of an argument. Take a break to regroup and consider what you’re really arguing about. When you make this a habit, you set a high standard for what to expect in a relationship.

  ·      Never Question the Nature of Your Relationship – When it comes to learning how to manage expectations in a relationship, one of the worst missteps you can make is questioning the intent of others. When you question the very nature of your relationship, it breaks down trust, which takes a toll on even the strongest connection. Just because you’re having issues doesn’t mean the relationship itself is a problem.

  ·     Never Threaten Your Relationship – One of the primary expectations in a relationship is that there will be give and take and mutual dialogue. Threatening your relationship with ultimatums doesn’t accomplish anything, since it shuts down communication. If you’re at the point of threatening the other person, it’s time to take a break and rethink the conversation.