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Balak 5781: The Strange Case of the Talking Donkey

Parshat Balak is highly unusual. On the one hand, it does not contain even a single mitzvah. On the other hand, it describes events that are supernatural and strange. Perhaps the most peculiar occurrence in the parasha concerns Bilam’s talking donkey, who engages in a heated conversation with the seer as he makes his way to Moav in order to curse the people of Israel. In this podcast, we will consider the matter. (Numbers 22:1 – 25:9)

If you enjoy the Pardes from Jerusalem podcast series, you’re sure to enjoy the Pardes Learning Seminar which is exclusively online this summer! See below for more details.Balak 5781: The Strange Case of the Talking Donkey5 days. 28 class options. And 1 memorable summer learning experience. Cultivating Courage and Resilience – Chazak v’Amatz. The Pardes Learning Seminar Summer 2021 is online from July 4-8. To get more information please visit Pardes Online. Please let us know your comments and thoughts about the podcast, write to us at elmad@pardes.org.il. We appreciate you leaving us a review with 5-stars if you enjoy these podcasts. For more information about Pardes, visit our website www.pardes.org.il. Credits Rabbi Michael Hattin – Faculty and Host for Pardes from Jerusalem Rabbi Adam Titcher – Lead Consultant and Producer Arlene Harel – Faculty Coordinator

Michael Hattin

Rabbi Michael Hattin is Senior Faculty at Pardes, where he teaches Tanakh and Halakha. He has rabbinic ordination from Yeshivat Har Etzion and holds a professional degree in architecture from the University of Toronto.

Michael is the author of multiple books on Tanakh, with a special focus on Nevi’im Rishonim. He speaks English, Hebrew, and Yiddish fluently, and has served as scholar-in-residence in communities throughout North America and Europe. Michael lives in Alon Shvut with his wife Rivka and their children.