CRRI Alana Krivo-Kaufman's Drashah for Shabbat Balak, 2025

“Key to our story is that God does not leave Bilaam, the sorcerer, alone as he navigates the choppy waters of being sought out by this king to do harm, God does not leave Bilham alone. Ever. At every turn, God is with Bilaam accompanying him, reminding him the people are blessed ensuring he remembers his commitments. What would it look like to remind each other that the people are blessed, to remind each other of our shared humanity and dignity in the face of constant assault? It might look something like Cantor Rosen echoing into the megaphone a prophetic sign we saw as we marched in Pride: “trans people are holy.” Block after block after block. It might look like the work that goes into ensuring that the Ark can welcome our immigrant friends and provide legal support for asylum. It might look something like calling or texting a friend to say hi, thinking about you, I love you, or how’s your day? Did you see this funny meme? Have you looked up at the sky today? I think it’s still there.“

Cooperberg-Rittmaster Rabbinical Intern Alana Krivo-Kaufman gave this drashah on Friday, July 11 / 16 Tamuz. Watch her full talk above. 

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