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A short beautiful idea on Chukat, to uplift and to be shared on your Shabbat table with Friends and family. 

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Shabbat Shalom, Eliyahou Binyamin Moses

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=608Rq2Ch9jo

Dear Mogen David Family,

Interestingly, the antagonist in our Parashat Balak, is praised by the Chachamim and later commentators for his devotion and honesty. The Midrash points out the numerous times Balak offered Korbanot before attempting to curse Bnei Yisrael (through the prophet Bila'am). Because of this devotion, claims the Midrash, his goal was somewhat effective in causing Bnei Yisrael to engage in sin at the end of the Parasha. The Ramban even connects the seven korbanot that Balak brought to the seven sefirot that we are familiar with in Kabbalah.

Similarly, other mefarshim ask why our Parsasha was named after Balak ( as opposed to Bila'am, or any other title). The most common answer given is that Balak merited his name to be recorded as a Parasha because he was honest and open with his intentions. Bila'am engaged in falsities and subterfuge; he tried to mask his true intentions. Also, his values and expertise were bought and sold by the highest bidder.

Balak, on the other hand, was clear and forthright from the start. He saw what HaKadosh Baruch Hu, through Klal Yisrael, had done to the Emori peoples, and he was scared for his own kingdom. His attempt to curse Am Yisrael was his natural response and he never attempted to pretend otherwise.

Other Reshaim as well are 'praised' by the Chachamim for specific deeds and qualities. Esav is singled out for his tremendous Kibbud Av v'Em; Korach, Doeg Ha'Adomi, and Yeravam were all first-rate Talmidei Chachamim before their respective declines. Judaism does not believe in "Original Sin" without our free-will deciding our merits. We individually make our own decisions and are responsible for our own actions. We learn here an important lesson: We shouldn't categorically label and judge human beings as totally good or totally bad. Man is a complex being, often without absolute characteristics one way or another.

Tzadikim also have a Yetzer Hara with which they battle and that makes them even greater Tzadikim and Tzidkaniyot. Ultimately, we are judged by our choices and decisions. Even from Reshaim we can learn positive traits and, ultimately, it is our own actions and decisions which will gain us zechuyot with the Ribbono Shel Olam.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Yehuda Moses Rav HaKehillah/Senior Rabbi