Reading the Torah Portion of Bulak about Bilaam

HH

This Shabbos the guy who usually reads the Torah didn't show so I got the honor. When I was reading the verses about Bilaam, and in my mind I was reviewing some of the flattering things our Sages revealed about him (-his relationship with his donkey etc.), and even the simple story presented, I almost had a giggle attack, and I had to fight diligently to suppress the strong urge to laugh. And then for a split second I contemplated doing the unthinkable, actually bursting out with laughter, it would be great to release all of that mirth in mocking insult of Bilam, but then I thought, it's one thing to have a good laugh, but how in the world would I be able to stop laughing once I got started?! So I imagined the awesome frightening original delivery of the Torah, when the souls of Israel literally were shocked out of there bodies etc.. And I managed to keep from laughing. B"H.

Na Nach Nachma Nachman MayUman!

Celebrating the 4th of July

HH

Rashi (Numbers 23:9) shares with us Billam's utter jealousy of the Children of Israel, who have their own unique festivals to celebrate, but that doesn't stop them from joining in on all the other celebrations of the nations! Party hardy. And so I understood that HY really wanted me to celebrate a little yesterday, as I was experiencing strong signs of dehydration G"F (back in the day when I was procuring approbations from the rabbis for a book I wrote on the Talmud, I ended up dehydrated) I was left with no choice but to treat myself to a pepper steak at a nearby fancy restaurant. And thus it happened that this Nanach celebrated the 4th of July.

As I was writing this up a guy walked in and said that he wants to donate a large powerful fan, B"H, things are looking cooler already.

Na Nach Nachma Nachman MeUman!