KING

Dear Family,

I hope everyone is well.

Mazal Tov Devorah Leah, whose sister Chana had a baby girl in Virginia.

Mazal Tov to Avi and Penina who are making a kiddush this Shabbos for the birth of Tiferet. I believe that many members of the Family are going to spend Shabbos in Tarzana, and that Brian and Sharon will also be participating BH. Enjoy, and have a wonderful Shabbos. Only simchos for all members of the Family and extended Family.

This week's Sedra is Balak, and it is interesting that a Sedra named after a wicked person, is one of the main places where Torah informs us of the coming of MASHIACH!

Bilam (one of the greatest non-Jewish prophets) is hired by Balak to curse Bnei Yisrael, but he says that he cannot say anything which Hashem does not allow, and instead lands up blessing Bnei Yisrael with the highest of blessings.

In v24:17 he says 'I see..a star will rise from Yaakov, and a ruler will be appointed from Yisrael...who will slay the leaders of Moav etc.

And Rashi says this is referring to KING DAVID

Even although the coming of Mashiach is hidden in the words of Bilam, the Haftorah, which always is a reflection of the Sedra, speaks specifically about the coming of Mashiach (Micha 5:6 to 6:8)

And then I saw this week, something about the concept of KINGS which relates to us (Mashiach Day by Day)

When the Rambam describes that 'Mashiach will be a King from the House of David', it is not only only describing the fulfilment of the promise from Hashem, but it is also describing a necessary component of Mashiach ie from the qualities of David. Ie

1. He was the epitome of Kingship because he was naturally exalted and aloof
2. On the other hand he had tremendous HUMILITY and was willing to submit to G-d's Will

These qualities are inter-dependant.

David was so humble and self-effacing that he did not care what others thought of him.

He did not seek favours, was not empowered by his peers, and nor was he afraid to do what was right, or to do that which would bring honour to G-d.

Similarly with ourselves, when we worry only about what is right, and not what others think of us, WE BECOME KING OVER OURSELVES AND OUR SURROUNDINGS.

Redemption begins with a humble commitment to doing good.

Gut Shabbos to all