In this week’s Torah portion, Balak, king of the Moabites, is fearful of the Israelites’ strength and numbers. He sends for Balaam the Prophet to curse the Israelites. Balaam’s journey to meet Balak and perform his job is derailed by a talking donkey and a messenger of God. God speaks to Balaam and makes it known that he will not curse the people of Israel but rather, bless them. Twice, Balaam stands before King Balak, opens his mouth, and words of blessing come forth. Then, something profound happens as he is about to speak for a third time.
“Balaam lifted up his eyes and he saw Israel dwelling tribe by tribe, and the spirit of God rested upon them. He said: “Word of Balaam son of Beor, word of the man whose eye is true, word of one who hears God’s speech, who beholds visions from the Almighty, prostrate, but with eyes unveiled.” (Numbers 24:2-3)
In these two short verses of Torah Balaam’s eyes are mentioned three times. He lifted up his eyes and saw. His eyes are true and his eyes are unveiled. Prophets were known for their ability to open their mouths and speak the word of God. Yet, here we find ourselves focused on Balaam’s eyes.
The text suggests that as Balaam lifts up his eyes, he experiences awareness. He sees the people for the first time and gains a new perspective. Balaam lifts up his eyes and sees beyond himself and the task he set out to do.
Lifting our eyes to become present, aware and see things from a new perspective is both a physical and spiritual pursuit. We lift up our eyes to experience new ways of engaging in the world and unveil our eyes from seeing only what we believe to be true.
Rabbi Nachman of Breslov teaches, “Develop a good eye. Always looking for good will bring you to truth.” Lifting up our eyes allows us to envision the spiritual horizon, see more of God’s presence in the world and the small daily miracles that surround us.
The gift of perspective invites us to rise above and release ourselves from getting lost in the minutiae of the moment. Seeing through unveiled eyes sparks moments of curiosity, creativity and discovery.
As we prepare to welcome the spirit of Shabbat in to our lives, I want to share a prayer with you written by Rabbi Naomi Levy:
“Open my eyes, God. Help me to perceive what I have ignored, to uncover what I have forsaken, to find what I have been searching for. Remind me that I don’t have to journey far to discover something new, for miracles surround me, blessings and holiness abound. And You are near. Amen.
May your eyes shine with the light of Torah (Talmud, Berakhot 17a), may you be inspired to see through unveiled eyes and envision a world of wholeness, love and peace.
Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Laila Haas
