The message behind the talking donkey?

This week’s Torah portion introduces us to Balaam —

a real prophet, chosen by G-d to deliver messages to the nations of the world.

He wasn’t part of the Jewish people, but he had powerful spiritual gifts, including the ability to bless or curse with his words.

When King Balak wants to harm the Jewish people, he hires Balaam to curse them.

Balaam sets out on his journey — and suddenly, something unbelievable happens:

His donkey starts to speak.

Why would G-d perform such an open miracle?

After all, G-d doesn’t do miracles without a reason.

🔸 Here’s the powerful message:

Balaam was proud of his talents — and tried to use them to go against G-d’s will.

So G-d sends him a wake-up call:

“Don’t think your power is yours. I gave it to you. And I can give it even to a donkey.”

It was a reminder:

Every gift we have — our talents, success, influence — is a gift from Above.

And when something is a gift, it comes with responsibility.

To use it for good. To uplift. To build. To bless.

🔸 And what about us?

Each of us has something unique. A skill, a strength, a spark.

The question is — why did G-d give it to us?

And what are we doing with it?

The story of Balaam reminds us:

Our strengths were given to us for a purpose — to bring light, to make a difference, and to be a source of blessing in the world.