Parashat Balak

Our Sages sought to add to the recitation of the Shema the verse from Parashat Balak: 'He crouched, he lay down like a lion and like a lioness – who shall rouse him?', which expresses the strength and eternity of the people of Israel. In the end it was not included, and various reasons are given for why. Rav Kook explains that the impression might have been created that strength alone suffices, without understanding that Israel's might flows from something greater than that. Nationhood is a mighty force. It grants belonging, resilience, and the ability to rise. But when it goes out on its own, the nation may turn itself into the goal: seeking strength only in order to be strong, and victory only in order to win. Love of the people then becomes an entire nation's 'material self-love.' The connection between the people and the Torah is not merely a restraint upon the national force, but its very content. The Torah builds a nation, and the nation carries holiness within life and history. This connection is critical to our revival!