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Why does Rashi (רש"י) say Bilaam 'exchanged professions' with Israel, taking their power of speech while they used the sword? Prayer is the inherited profession of the Jewish people - our ability to access the divine breath within us so God hears His own voice when we pray. Prophecy serves as our apprenticeship in this inherited talent, teaching us to communicate as God's children.
This shiur presents a comprehensive analysis of Rashi (רש"י)'s commentary on Parshas Matos regarding Bilaam's death by sword, developing the concept that prayer is the inherited 'umnus' (profession) of the Jewish people. The Rabbi explains that when Rashi states Bilaam 'exchanged professions' with Israel - taking their power of the mouth while Israel used the sword - this refers to a deeper spiritual reality about the nature of Jewish prayer and prophecy. The core thesis revolves around understanding prayer as an inherited trait passed down from our Heavenly Father. Just as earthly professions are passed from father to son through genetic predisposition and training, prayer represents our inherited ability to tap into the godliness within ourselves - the divine breath that God blew into Adam's nostrils ("vayipach b'apav nishmas chaim"). When we pray authentically, God hears His own voice reflected in us, recognizing us as His children, and responds as a father would to his son's requests.
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How long must Hashem tolerate the Jewish people's rebellious behavior? A Midrash compares this to the halachic question of carrying a child holding muktze on Shabbos. The analysis reveals that rejecting Eretz Yisrael represents a deeper spiritual corruption than individual acts of avoda zara.
Parshas Matos 31:8
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What did Dovid mean when he reduced the 613 mitzvos to twelve principles? The Gemara reveals that mitzvos have two dimensions: fulfilling the obligation and achieving personal completion (hashlomah). Dovid identified twelve core principles that encapsulate the essential character development aspect of all mitzvos.
