In Parshas Balak, we encounter the story of Balak, the king of Moav, who sought to curse the Jewish people. Despite his intentions, blessings flowed from the mouth of Bilaam instead of curses. This narrative teaches us a profound lesson about the unexpected ways that blessings can manifest in our lives, even amidst adversity.
Often, when we face challenges or sickness, it can feel as though we are surrounded by negativity. However, just as Bilaam’s curses were turned into blessings, we, too, can find moments of grace and blessings in unexpected places. In Psalms 23, David states, “Gam ki eiliech b’gei tzalmaves lo ira ra, ki atah imadi. Shivt’cha u’mish’ant’cha heimah y’nachamuni.” Even in the darkest valleys, we are not alone; God’s presence comforts and sustains us.
As a community, when we come together in times of sickness or struggle, we embody the spirit of resilience and faith that characterized the Jewish people in the wilderness. We support one another, share words of encouragement, and lift each other up in prayer. In doing so, we emulate the transformative power of Bilaam’s blessings and remind ourselves that even from the most challenging situations, blessings can emerge.
May this week’s Torah portion inspire us to seek out the blessings hidden within our trials and to extend compassion and support to those in our community who are facing illness or difficulties. Together, let us strengthen our faith and trust that we, too, can overcome adversity with courage and unity.
List of People Who Need a r’fuah sh’leimah (a complete recovery)
Please recite Psalms 20, 30, 88, 121, and 130.
David ben Liza Leah
Shmaryahu ben Raizel Shoshanah Miriam
Yisrael ben Raizel Shoshanah Miriam
Zhenya ben Zoya
Arvin Nesanel ben Sonia
Yotam ben Efrat Michal
Michael ben Naomi Sarah
Moshe Meir ben Chanah Etel
Shlomo Zalman ben Golda
David Yair ben Aliza
Zoya bas Rachel Raya
Zhanna bas Zoya
Chayah Adelya Hagilo bas Rachel
Esther Hadassah bas Devorah
Mitali Naomi bas Gilah Farcha
Eden Libi bas Chanah
Orli Danielle bas Chanah
Nancy Elisheva Sarah bas Roza
Heleni Ornah bas Chen Chanah
Eliana Liel bas Yocheved Leah
Rachel bas Blima
Avigayil bas Sarah
Israeli Soldiers (Please recite Psalms 25, 26, 46, 83, 142.)
Yehoshua ben Aliza Esther
Menachem ben Aliza Esther
Gavriel Efraim ben Chanah Yafah
Netantel Akiva ben Chanah Yafah
Yonasan Ezra ben Chanah Yafah
Chaim Aba Menachem ben Naomi Baila
Daniel Moshe ben Devorah
Gavriel Yehudah ben Yaakov
Shmuel ben Aharon
Moshe ben Shoshanah Esther
Yehoshua ben Tzvi
Dvir Moshe ben Dinah
Oriel ben Dinah
Moshe Eliyahu ben Dinah Yehudis
Yosef ben Shlomis
Yosef ben Sarit
Yosef Daniel ben Anat
Yosef Chaim ben Hadas
To add names of individuals who need a r’fuah sh’leimah to next week’s T’hilim column, please email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and complete the Google form.
