R Berel Wein discusses the contemporary messages of Balak and Bilaam: link
R Yissocher Frand cautions against confusing the angel of mercy for Satan: link
R Yitzchak Etshalom examines Midrashic methodology in establishing heroes and villians in the Torah, and especially in Avos 5.19: link
The Nesivos Shalom, as explicated by R Yitzchak Adlerstein, explains why Dveikus BaShem was the antidote to Bilaam: link
R Ezra Bick examines the dialogues between Balak and Bilaam: link
R Asher Brander, based on the Chovas HaTalmidim, explains that while passion is not the sole basis of truth, passion or the lack thereof reflects our inner neshama: link
R Sir Jonathan Sacks explores the prologue to Bilaam’s mission and why he had to learn to listen to a negative answer to his requests: link
R Shlomoh Riskin suggests that Bilaam failed because he sought to manipulate HaShem: link
R Asher Weiss discusses Kedushas Beis HaKnesses and Beis HaMedrash and Saving a Jew from Shmad on Shabbos: link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio), link 3 (audio)
R Avigdor Nevenzal investigates why Bilaam’s message was deserving of rebuke, and how rebuke should be administered: link, and Bilaam’s true character: link
R Herschel Shachter, based upon the commentary of the Ohr HaChaim to Bamidnar 24:17 explains the natural, as opposed to the supernatural, nature of the of the State of Israel: link
R Mordechai Willig examines the Chiddush of Balak: link (audio) and women in positions of authority: link(audio)
R Zvi Sobolofsky explains that HaShem’s response to Bilaam that one must obey the Ratzon HaShem and Mitzvos HaShem remains of and contemporary importance: link, and why we must rely on Chazal and the Chachmei HaMesorah to read between the lines in understanding the Ratzon HaShem:link
R Azarya Berzon discusses various aspects of Ramban’s commentary on this week’s Parsha: link (audio)
Mrs. Ilana Saks discusses Bilaam in light of the Akedah: link (audio)
R Baruch Simon sets forth the elements of Kedusha in a Jewish home: link (audio), and the requirement of Dirah to be obligated in Mitzvas Mzuzah: link (audio)
R Reuven Spolter sets forth the message of Tznius that is underscored in this week’s Parsha: link (audio)
R Yonasan Sacks discusses Mitzvos Bein Adam LChavero and Mitzvas Tochecha: link (audio)
R Shmjuel Maybruch discusses the Talmud’s possible inclusion of Parshas Balak in Krias Shema: link (audio)
R Chaim Eisenstein evaluates Bilaam’s one eyed perspective: link (audio)
R Daniel Z Feldman explains why HaShem was sensitive to Bilaam’s feelings after he was defeated by his talking donkey: link (audio)
R Dovid Gottlieb suveys the Halachos and Mimhagim of Krias Shema al HaMitah: link (audio), and the Halacha of Kanaim Pogim Bo: link (audio)
For those interested in the actions of Pinchas at the end of this Parsha and the beginning of Parshas Pinchas, see both the Ramban at the end of Parshas Balak and the Meshech Chachmah at the beginning of Parshas Pinchas.
For those interested in the actions of Pinchas at the end of this Parsha and the beginning of Parshas Pinchas, see both the Ramban at the end of Parshas Balak and the Meshech Chachmah at the beginning of Parshas Pinchas.