When a Cause Becomes Dangerous - Balak, Bilaam, and the Power of Lishmah

This morning at Breakfast & a Class we explored a fascinating and somewhat unsettling idea from Parashat Balak. Why did HaShem initially forbid Bilaam from going with Balak’s messengers, only later to permit him to travel? Drawing on an insight cited by Rabbi Yissocher Frand in the name of Rav Shimon Schwab, and a theme often emphasized by Rabbi Abittan, we examined the extraordinary power of lishmah—the force that is created when a person truly believes in a cause and dedicates himself to it wholeheartedly.

Along the way we discuss the prayer of the trav...