Behar affirms that the land belongs to God, and the land must be permitted to observe its Sabbaths, too.

As the curtain falls on a particular life story, the instinct is to construct a narrative that amplifies their better qualities.

The prophet Isaiah's vision of Israel as a light unto the nations is reflected in this essential Jewish prayer.

What Balaam's donkey and under-represented minorities have in common.

The Israelites' dwellings in the wilderness provide us with a model for ensuring the existence and dignity of housing for all members of society.

Unlike Jewish prophets, Balaam was merely a mouthpiece for the word of God, not an active participant.

Pinchas saw the relationship of an Israelite and a Midianite as a curse--but perhaps he, like Balaam, could have turned it into a blessing.

Our physical and spiritual well-being are intimately connected.

Like Balaam, we should open our eyes to seeing the problematic paths we take in life.

By viewing the troubles and joys of our lives as part of a continuum we can uncover blessings even in the most challenging curses.