1. Completing Sefer Bamidbar and the Double Portion
Today’s Torah and Tea coincides with a double portion, as we complete Sefer Bamidbar—the fourth book of the Torah. With only one more book left, we look forward to finishing the entire Torah on Simchas Torah—the celebration of completing the annual cycle. Our discussion is based on Likutey Sihas, volume 18, focusing on one siha—a talk—for Parshas Matis and another for Parshas Masei.2. The Sin with Midianite Women and Bilaam’s Advice
The parsha recounts the incident where some among Bnei Yisrael became involved with Midianite women, leading to immorality and ultimately idol worship. This angered Hashem, resulting in a plague and severe consequences for those who sinned—a major blemish on the Jewish people after all they had endured. When the soldiers returned from war, Moshe Rabbeinu was upset that they had spared the women who were responsible for enticing Bnei Yisrael into sin. The Torah states that these women acted “Bidvar Bilaam—by the word of Bilaam.” Rashi explains that Bilaam advised Balak and the Midianites that military might would not defeat Bnei Yisrael: even if all nations united against them, they could not prevail by force alone. As evidence, he cited Egypt’s 600 chosen chariots at the Red Sea, which were utterly destroyed despite their strength. Bilaam’s counsel was to attack spiritually—by causing Bnei Yisrael to sin through immorality, thus losing Hashem’s protection.3. The Deeper Message in Bilaam’s Strategy
Rashi delves deeper into Bilaam’s reference to Egypt’s 600 chariots. These chariots were led by those Egyptians who “feared the word of Hashem” and saved their cattle during the plagues—yet even these spiritually sensitive individuals could not stand against Bnei Yisrael. Thus, Bilaam argued that neither physical nor spiritual warfare could defeat them; only by causing them to sin could their divine protection be breached. Bilaam revealed this “secret” plan privately so that Bnei Yisrael would not be forewarned and able to defend themselves spiritually. His strategy was to entice them into sinning—specifically through immorality and idol worship—so Hashem would withdraw His protection.4. Avenging Bnei Yisrael vs. Avenging Hashem: A Subtle Distinction
At the start of this episode, there is a notable shift in language between Hashem and Moshe Rabbeinu regarding vengeance against Midian. Hashem instructs Moshe to “avenge the vengeance of Bnei Yisrael,” focusing on avenging harm done to His people. However, when Moshe relays this command, he says to avenge “the vengeance of Hashem,” emphasizing honor for Hashem Himself. The Rebbe’s father explains this distinction: Hashem prioritizes the honor of Bnei Yisrael, while Moshe is concerned with honoring Hashem. This mirrors how we refer to Pesach as “Passover”—highlighting Hashem’s kindness in passing over Jewish homes—while in Torah it is called Chag HaMatzot—the festival of matzos—focusing on Bnei Yisrael’s faith in leaving Egypt without provisions. There were two wars waged against Bnei Yisrael: one physical (anti-Semitism and violence) and one spiritual (attempts to cause them to sin). Both require divine protection and ultimately result in Hashem avenging His people.5. Contemporary Reflections: Physical and Spiritual Threats
This duality persists today: Jews face both physical threats (anti-Semitism) and spiritual challenges (attacks on faith or religious practice). Recent events highlight this reality—for example, a rabbi in Brighton was attacked but miraculously survived despite grave danger. Society often hesitates to label such acts as hate crimes when Jews are targeted, though similar incidents involving other groups receive immediate recognition as such. Anti-Semitism is no longer confined to Europe or Israel; it has become a global issue affecting Jews everywhere. In addition to physical threats, there are also spiritual battles—pressures from radical ideologies or attempts to undermine Jewish belief and practice. Both forms of opposition require us to trust that Hashem will protect us physically and spiritually.6. The Journeys of Bnei Yisrael as a Metaphor for Life
Parshas Masei recounts the 42 journeys of Bnei Yisrael from Egypt toward Eretz Yisroel—a metaphor for life itself and our journey through exile toward redemption with Mashiach. Each stop represents challenges faced along the way. Life’s struggles often feel like descents or setbacks, but upon reaching our destiny we can look back and recognize how these difficulties made us stronger—much like resistance training builds muscle. Every challenge is part of our divinely orchestrated journey.7. Divine Providence Even in Our Mistakes
Not all challenges are externally imposed; some stem from our own mistakes or poor choices. The Tzemach Tzedek, based on a verse, teaches that even our failures are ultimately guided by divine providence (hashgacha pratis). If we falter due to temptation or weakness, it is also part of Hashem’s plan—even if we are accountable on a conscious level. On a deeper level, even when we find ourselves at our lowest points—overwhelmed by darkness or failure—Hashem is present with us there too. This awareness should give us strength: no matter how far we stray or how desperate things seem, reconnecting with Hashem remains possible because He never abandons us.8. Faith Amidst Tragedy and Uncertainty
Unexpected tragedies challenge our faith—such as building collapses like Surfside in Florida or other disasters where outcomes seem arbitrary or cruel. Yet Jewish tradition teaches that every soul departs at its destined time; survival or loss is determined by divine will alone. We pray for kindness from Hashem—that He grant us only good without pain or difficulty—and trust that He cares for those who have perished as well as those who remain behind needing healing or comfort. Ultimately, we yearn for redemption with Mashiach, when all suffering will be transformed into revealed good for Am Yisroel and all humanity.