Parshat Balak

In this week's parsha we have talking donkeys, jealousy, delusions of God, revelation of God, warring tribes and confusion, all things we are, or are about to experience on camp. Camp is an incredibly intense time where we push ourselves to the limit and test the fabric of our social fibres, both with our chanichim and with fellow madrichim.

We must take heed of this week's parsha, maintaining compassion, level headedness and patience above all else. We must learn to drive the growth of our chanichim and of our relationships with one another.

Inevitably conflict will arise. When it does, take a seat on the fence and remain judgement free:

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר בָּלָק֙ אֶל־בִּלְעָ֔ם גַּם־קֹ֖ב לֹ֣א תִקֳּבֶ֑נּוּ גַּם־בָּרֵ֖ךְ לֹ֥א תְבָרֲכֶֽנּוּ׃

Thereupon Balak said to Balaam, “Don’t curse them and don’t bless them!”

Behaztlacha!