Food Tourah: Balak

July 7, 2025 in Food Tourah

Because life so often happens around food, we’re spending the year exploring the weekly parshiot and finding connections to each week’s Shabbat menu. 40 parshiot down, 14 more to go!

Last week’s parsha, Hukkat, concluded with the Israelites’ military victory over the Amorites. This week in Balak, the frightened king of Moab – Balak himself – appeals to a prophet, Balaam – known for the potency of his curses and blessings – for help defeating Israel saying, “For I know that whomever you bless is blessed indeed, and whomever you curse is cursed.” (Numbers 22:6)

But, plot twist! G-d does not want Balaam to curse the Israelites. As Balaam heads out to speak to Balak, his path is blocked by a messenger of G-d holding a sword. Balaam does not see the messenger, but his donkey does. Three times the donkey refuses to move forward, and each time Balaam beats her.  After the third time, the donkey speaks to Balaam asking why he is treating her so cruelly. And finally, Balaam sees the messenger the next time they go out. In the end, despite Balak’s request for curses, Balaam ends up blessing the people of Israel instead. In fact, the opening lines of the blessing that we say upon entering the synagogue, come directly from Balaam’s words. “Mah Tovu Ohalekha Yaakov, Mishkentokha Yisrael” (“How fair are your tents, O Jacob, Your dwellings, O Israel”) (Numbers 24:5) This prayer reminds us that even someone sent to curse us was able to see the beauty, strength, and divine favor of the Jewish people.

As these summer days roll on, this week’s parsha gives us the perfect tie-in to fire up the grill and enjoy a meal outdoors. The messenger blocking Balaam’s path while wielding a sword made us think of… skewers!  Please let us know what you think of these recipes for Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers and/or Chili Lime Tofu Skewers.  Easy to prepare and sure to please!  Serve with roasted potatoes or corn on the cob for a perfect summer meal.  We’ll also throw in this recipe for Moroccan Carrot Salad.  Three times Balaam did not see the messenger in his way – maybe he needed an eye exam? Either way, we couldn’t resist this carrot connection!

And finally you didn’t think we’d miss the opportunity to make a playful nod to the talking donkey, did you? Finish your meal with this decadent Black Magic Cake, in honor of Balaam’s magical, message-delivering donkey! We’ve even done some legwork for you. Take a look at this link if you want to find a non-dairy substitute for the buttermilk in the recipe.

B’tayavon and Shabbat Shalom,
Alison (Baraf) & Sarah (Roark)

To read past installments of Food Tourah – Click Here.

For a more in-depth look at this week’s parsha, visit Sefaria.com