Torah Portion - July 10, 2008
The Donkey’s point of view
Parashat Balak - Rabbi Mark S. Kram 7/7/08
The scene: the Israelites making their way through the wilderness face yet another challenge – similar to what they faced with the Egyptians. Appearing so large a group, they threatened (by their size alone – they were truly no threat) the Moabites – as they traveled through Moabite territory. Richard Friedman comments that the wording of the text is similar to the threat felt by
The interesting and memorable twist in this story is the role of the donkey. Picture this (remember Shrek?) the “lowly” donkey becomes a savior of the non-Jewish prophet Balaam because only the donkey sees the angel of God with sword drawn threatening his life and that of his rider, Balaam, should they continue straight on the path ahead! Neither Balaam nor anyone else was able to see what the donkey saw – that is until God “uncovered” Balaam’s eyes near the end of the narrative.
Think of your own experience. We think that what we see is what is there. In our own eyes, there can be no other possible interpretation that differs from our view. Our view is right!
Our differences with people with whom we work or family members closest to us often stem from our interpretation of what we see vs. what they see. In actuality, our filters (the way we view the world) allow us to make snap decisions when necessary (a car running a light in front of us – so we stop) but also give us “instant” understanding of what OUR view of the world is – rather than a considered response. We forget that what we see and how we understand our world is filtered through our own experience. None of us look at the same thing and share exactly the same interpretation.
So the next time you or I find ourselves disagreeing with someone else about what we saw OR how we see things, whether our spouse, partner, child or colleague, remember the donkey of Parashat Balak and ask to hear their interpretation as well. SHABBAT SHALOM!