The Anshei Knesset HaGdolah, the Great Assembly, chose to begin our daily prayers with the words of an evil prophet, Bilaam, to remind us of our unique responsibilities as tolerant Jews. These words prompt us to reflect on our actions and the spiritual force field of holiness and unity that protected the Jewish people in Bilaam's time. The words "Mattovu HaLechi Yaakov Mishknasefe Yisrael" were spoken by Bilaam when he saw the encampment of the Israelites arranged with harmony, modesty, and purpose. The Anshei Knesset HaGdolah chose these words as a mission statement to anchor us in a time of danger and spiritual vulnerability. By starting our prayers with these words, we are charged to recreate the unity and holiness that protected us in the past. The words "Ahalecha" and "Mishkanosecha" refer to the study halls and synagog
Have you ever wondered why the Anshei Knesset HaGdovah, the Great Assembly, began our daily Tefillot with the words of an evil, non-Jewish prophet? Why does Mattovu HaLechi Yaakov Mishknasefe Yisrael, words spoken by Bilaam, a man who intended to curse us, to frame the start of our Tefillot? Here's the aha moment. These six words are not random. They are a charge, a conceptual mission statement, and a reminder. Each morning, they prompt us to reflect on our unique responsibilities as toleratory Jews.
These words challenge us to remember that we are always being observed by the outside world, and they call us to recreate the spiritual force field of kedushah, holiness, and unity, that protected Bnei Yisrael from harm in Bilaam's time. But why these words? And why were they so significant to the Anshei Knesset HaGdovah, who lived in a time of tremendous turmoil and danger for the Jewish people? To understand the significance of Mattovu, let's revisit its origins in the Torah.
The words Mattovu HaLechi Yaakov Mishknasefe Yisrael, how goodly are your tents, O Yaakov, your dwelling places, O Eziel, were spoken by Bilaam, a non-Jewish prophet hired by Boloch, the king of Moab, to curse Bnei Yisrael. It was a time of fear and tension. Bnei Yisrael, having left Mitzrayim and received the Torah at Hashenai, were journeying through the mid-breath of the wilderness. They were a nation without a homeland, seemingly vulnerable, yet unified under Hashem's guidance. They were like gypsies without a homeland, and Boloch, fearful of their numbers and strength, sought to weaken them through Bilaam's curses.
But something extraordinary happened. When Bilaam climbed a hill to curse Bnei Yisrael, he saw their encampment arranged with harmony, modesty, and purpose. The kedushah of their community, their commitment to Torah, mitzvoth, and mutual respect, was undeniable. Hashem intervened, and Bilaam's intended curse transformed into a blessing. Instead of harm, he proclaimed, Hashem compelled Bilaam to express the sanctity he observed rather than the destruction he intended. Now let's return to our opening question. Why did the Anshe Knesset Hekdovah choose these six words to begin our daily teshirot? The Anshe Knesset Hekdovah lived after the destruction of the first place Hamikdash, during a time when Bnei Yisrael were in Goloth, exile, scattered among the hostile nations.
It was a time of danger, assimilation, and spiritual vulnerability. They were living in a den of wolves, surrounded by nations who sought to harm them or erase their identity. In this context, the Anshe Knesset Hekdovah understood that Bnei Yisrael needed a daily reminder of their responsibilities and obligations as Torah-true Jews. They chose mattovu as a conceptual mission statement, a way to anchor us every morning. These six words reflect the kedushah and unity that Bilaam sought in Kal Yisrael, a spiritual force field that protected them from harm.
By starting our teshirot with these words, we are charged to recreate that kedushah and unity in our lives, to live as an Am Kedosh, and to remain steadfast in our Torah values, despite the challenges of Goloth. By the words Ahalecha, your tents, and Mishkanosecha, your dwelling places, carry deep significance. According to the Sfarnot, Ahalecha refers to the B'tze Midrashot, the study halls where Torah is learned. Mishkanosecha, on the other hand, represents the B'tze Knessios, the synagogues, the shuls, where Jews gather for Tfilah.
These spaces of kedushah are the foundation of our spiritual lives. Sfarnot further explains that the kedushah of these spaces doesn't just benefit those who actively engage in learning or davening. The holiness radiates outward, bringing blessing and protection to all of Kal Yisrael. This is a reminder that when we live with Torah and Mitzvot at the center of our lives, we create a ripple effect of sanctity of kedushah that uplifts the entire Jewish people. The Antichnefesh Hagdola chose six words to begin our Tfilah.
Ma tovu Ahalecha Yaakov, Mishkanosecha Yisrael. This is no coincidence. During the week, we step out into the world to earn a livelihood, to navigate environments filled with challenges, distractions, and moral pressures. These six words serve as a daily charge from the commander-in-chief, reminding us of our mission as Hashem's army. Like the Jewish camp in the Midbar, we are always being observed. The Gentile world watches how we live, how we act, and how we carry ourselves. And we were meant to be a light unto the nations while living as an am kadosh.
When we live with kedushah, when we maintain our integrity as halachic Jews, we create a light in the world and a spiritual force field that protects us from harm and sanctifies Hashem's name. So why begin Tfilah with the words of an evil prophet? Because they aren't just words. They are a call to action, a reminder of who we are and what we stand for. When Balaam saw the native Israel, he didn't see a vulnerable nation. He saw people unified in their mission, living with holiness and purpose.
The Antichrist has had to recognize that we need to be reminded of this every day. Each morning, as we say matzohu, we are challenged to reflect on our actions. Are we living as a light unto the nations? Are we creating spaces of kedushah that uplift our community and protect us from harm? Are we carrying Hashem's light into the world? Let these six words guide you each day as you step into the world. They are a mission, a shield, and a profound reminder of the privilege and responsibility of being part of Qal Yisrael.
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