The Torah portion of Balak introduces the heathen prophet Bilaam -- a sorcerer whose expertise was making curses come true. On the eve of Israel’s entrance into her land, King Balak of Moab seeks to solve the Jewish problem once and for all, by hiring Bilaam to deliver a lethal curse against the Children of Israel. But the plan backfires, as G-d turns Bilaam’s curses into some of the most beautiful blessings ever uttered. Bilaam even prophesized about the ultimate final redemption, and his revelation concerning the coming of the messiah is a fundamental Torah principle. But why were these important prophecies delivered by the wicked Bilaam, of all people?

In the Land of Israel, the Torah portion of Balak ( Numbers 22 : 2 - 25 : 9 ) is read on Shabbat, 12 Tammuz 5786 - June 27, 2026

In the Diaspora, the two Torah portions of Chukat and Balak ( Numbers 19 : 1 - 25 : 9 ) are read on Shabbat, 12 Tammuz 5786 - June 27, 2026