1. Rashi on Bilaam and the Breach of Boundaries
We can connect current events, such as the recent Supreme Court ruling, to a Rashi in this week’s parsha. Rashi asks: why did HaKadosh Baruch Hu—the Holy One, blessed be He—give the nations of the world prophets? Rashi explains that if the nations would later argue, saying, “Had we had prophets, we too would have acted properly,” Hashem could answer them: “I gave you Bilaam.”
But Rashi goes further. He says that through Bilaam, they actually parsu gidrei sholeilam—breached the fence of the world. The world had certain boundaries; at that time, people were careful in matters of arayos—forbidden relationships. Bilaam’s advice to Midian was to entice Bnei Yisrael—the Jewish people—into sin. This led to a breakdown in moral boundaries and brought about Hashem’s anger, as described later in the parsha.
2. Contemporary Parallels: Breaching Moral Fences Today
This idea is strikingly relevant today. We see a similar phenomenon in our times: there are efforts to parsu gidrei sholeilam—breach the fences of society—by introducing new legislations that go against these fundamental boundaries. Not only are these changes made into law, but they are also promoted as progress or freedom.
This approach echoes Bilaam’s advice and aligns with those who oppose Bnei Yisrael and even HaKadosh Baruch Hu. It is not just an attack on tradition but a deliberate attempt to undermine the moral structure that has preserved society throughout history.
3. Yud-Beis Tammuz: Overcoming Obstacles to Holiness
The discussion is especially timely as we approach Yud-Beis Tammuz, a day commemorating overcoming governmental obstacles to religious observance. In those days, the oppression was direct—a government seeking to suppress Torah and mitzvos openly.
Today’s challenges are different. The rhetoric is about freedom for all, allowing everyone to do as they please under the banner of religious liberty. Yet in reality, it is another form of pritzus gidrei sholeilam—a breach of sacred boundaries.
4. Hope for Redemption and Restoration
Instead of breaches in our spiritual walls, we should merit the rebuilding of Yerushalayim in its fullness—Tivneh Chomot Yerushalayim, may You rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. As we enter the period of the Three Weeks leading up to Shabbos B'Tammuz—and this year it is a Nidcheh, postponed due to Shabbos—we pray that just as this fast is pushed off, so too should all aspects of destruction be pushed away.
May there be no more breaches in the walls of Yerushalayim or in our spiritual defenses, and may we soon merit the complete rebuilding of the Beis HaMikdash—Gidlei HaMikdash HaShaleim.