By Rabbi Adam Frankenberg

God asked Balam, “Who are these men?” But of course God knows perfectly well who these men are.

We might compare this with Genesis 3:9 When God asks Adam, “Where are you” or Jeremiah 1:13-14? Where God asks Jeremiah, “What do you see?” Again in all these cases God knows exactly the answer to his question before it is asked. In each case it is used as an opening. Moreover, these questions are utilised to give the individuals involved, Adam and Balam the chance to reflect on what they are doing and change course or reflect on what they have done or are in the process of doing.

Similarly I often ask Myself. “Oh Adam – what are you doing?”

This is an internal trait that I share with everyone, probably with you.

We should all listen to this internal voice the voice of our conscience our Yetizer ha tov (the voice of God?) In our lives it will speak to us most clearly (abd more urgently) when we have wondered away from the narrow path and found ourselves in strange situations and places.

Balam was recognised as a real prophet and indeed his message of blessing is used to open every single synagogue service. However much it was the last message he wanted to deliver. But few prophets have at least some of their words so well remembered.

(We may only be remembered for a few of our own sayings choice them carefully). Within and indeed outside of our family. “Ah, uncle Adam who always used to say…” I should think carefully about what I’d like that to be, or at least what I don’t wish it to be.

In Pirkie Avot we find something similar. Whilst most of the Mishnah is given over to conscise mainly moral sayings of the rabbis. I have heard it called, rather unfairly, ‘The rabbis do fortune cookies’. But we get to hear short snappy sayings of the sages.

In tracte Shabbat, 31a, we find the famous story of three Converts who come to Hillel and Shamai. Each with their own request. They get a warmer reception from Hillel.

One asks to be taught the entire Torah while he stands on one leg. Shammai drivers him away. Whereas Hillel does indeed sum up the whole Torah in one line.

“That, which is hateful to you do not do to others. All the rest is commentary go and learn” (Shabbat 31a).

We cannot all be like Hillel. But we can learn from Balam not to misuse our talents and from Hillel to always see the best in people.

Shabbat Shalom.

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