Parsha:

Balak 

Collections: R' Brander 4 Minute Video Series

Description

In Parshat Balak, we find the blessing from Bil’am: “Mah Tovu Ohalecha Yaakov, Mishkenotecha Yisrael”. The Midrash, cited by Rashi, explains that Bil’am refers to the beautiful atmosphere of the Jewish home. But what about when that reality is far from the ideal, and the atmosphere in the home is toxic and dangerous? It’s true that the Midrash states that the Israelites’ tents in the desert were arranged in such a way that one could not see into the entrance of one’s neighbor. This may lead us to think that what happens behind closed doors is none of our business. However, in an instance when you know that domestic violence is taking place in that discrete tent, it is our halachic obligation to speak up for those inside who cannot.