Circumventing The System

Thoughts on Parshas Balak     Years ago when I was involved in fundraising I was trying very hard to get funding from a specific Jewish philanthropist. I networked my way in until I got a meeting with the head of his foundation. The foundation was extremely professionally run with its mission statement very clearly defined. I knew that it was a long shot since we did not fit the criteria of the foundation. I was hoping for a lucky break. 

The director of the foundation listened attentively to our half-hour pitch. He asked some very good questions and seemed to have achieved a good understanding of the severity of the problem and how our organization might look to solve it. He offered me some insights as to where we could look to get funding. He

explained to me that even though we had a very good cause and a strong track record of accomplishments, our specific project did not fit the guidelines of the foundation. 

As I was about to conclude the meeting I brought up the fact that I had reviewed the annual statement of their allotment of funds and took note of one organization that did not fit in. After making this observation, I noted as well, that despite the fact that they clearly did not meet the criteria of the foundation they even receive significant funds every year! The director then smiled and said that the head of this specific organization receives "circumvented" funds. He continued to explain that the head of that organization enjoyed an extremely strong personal relationship with the family of his foundation and his requests always circumvented our system. It was because of this special relationship that not only did he receive funding, the number of funds and the expedited process that he received were in no way in proportion to other organizations his size. 

 In this week's Parsha The king of Balak, the King of Moav, is in fear of being destroyed by the Jewish people. He hires Bilam Harasha to help him with his fight against the Jewish people. The Gemara in tractate brachos explains that there is one split second every day when HaShem is in the attribute of anger. Bilam Harasha knew when that exact time was. His plan was to curse the Jewish people exactly at that time. His plan backfired and instead of cursing the Jewish people he blessed them with a blessing so great that we say it every morning. ?? ???? ?????? ????.

 HaShem has a system with which he runs the world; the system is exact and it is with this exactness he is constantly giving life to every single organism throughout the Cosmos. This system is known in kabbalah as ???? ?????'. This system has specific rules which demand certain constraints for the greater good of the world. It is for this purpose that HaShem has a dedicated time in the day to limit his outward kindness. However since the Jewish people enjoy such a strong relationship with Him, we were able to circumvent the system and turn a curse into a blessing.     

 The Lubavitcher Rebbe zt"l explains that there are three levels of ?????. The first level is called an ????. This level is a very high level in which a person knows that he has a relationship with HaShem. However, since he has done certain transgressions in the past he feels that perhaps he does not deserve the salvation that he is seeking. The second level is called ????. This level person comes to the cognitive understanding that even though he has transgressed in the past he knows how much HaShem loves each and every jew and is confident that his request will be fulfilled. However, there is still one level even higher. This is the level of the ????. The one who has a leap of faith. This level connects with HaShem's essence. This person develops a relationship with HaShem that connects directly with his essence and completely circumvents the system of which HaShem operates the world. This level of ????? is what we all must strive to achieve in order for us to bestow all of HaShem's blessings which is completely revealed for all to see. Especially now in extreme times of uncertainty, we must believe without a doubt that HaShem is our heavenly father who is looking to build a deep and meaningful relationship with each and every one of his children.

Have a good Shabbos. Yitzchok Friedman