By Diane Roosth, June 27, 2026,
Shabbat Shalom! I am tall, and this Dvar Torah is short.
We can look at the movie Shrek and the talking donkey, and witness improvised humor, storytelling, insight, wisdom, gratitude, caring and kindness. We can also look at a series of seven WWII films in the 1950’s about “Francis the Talking Mule”, an Army mule, as a fictional tale first appearing as short stories.
In this week’s Parsha, Balak, the King of Moab calls upon the prophet Balaam to curse the people of Israel. Then we have divine laughter, provoked by the prophetic words of the donkey and Balaam learning to hear the donkey’s discourse.
Balaam’s donkey talks to him, after seeing the angel of Hashem who was sent to block their way. This episode of the talking donkey is pure standup comedy. According to Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, z”l, the angel of the Lord blocked the way three times, each resulting in Balaam hitting the donkey: once with a sword; once between two vineyards, with walls on both sides; and then again when they moved to a narrow place where there was no room to turn or move. There the donkey lay down under Balaam and bowed before G-d. When Balaam got angry there and hit the donkey with his staff, the donkey opened his mouth and said to Balaam “What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?”
How does Balaam understand his donkey’s communication with him? There is the notion of people being gifted with an animal whisper. According to the Miriam Webster Dictionary, an animal whisperer is: “a person who excels at calming or training usually hard-to-manage animals using non-coercive methods based especially on an understanding of the animals’ natural instincts”. According to the internet, petworks.com, an animal whisperer is: “a person, often an animal communicator or specialized trainer, who claims to understand and communicate with animals on a deeper, often intuitive or telepathic level. They use empathy and quiet approaches to interpret an animal’s needs, behaviors, and emotions, typically aiding with anxiety, behavioral issues, and training”. Thus we have a talking donkey as part of today’s discussion and a leader who learns to speak with his donkey.
Sefaria resources suggest that Medieval philosophers and mystics differ on how we understand reason and conflict in the nature of language and history regarding the donkey. The story of Balaam and his donkey (Numbers 22) teaches that God’s wishes cannot be manipulated. G-d can use anyone, animals or things, to deliver the message. Major teachings include recognizing divine roadblocks, and admitting that stubbornness often blinds us to spiritual reality. This story reminds us to trust Divine redirection, even when it is frustrating.
Balaam won a reputation as the greatest prophet of his day in Midian and Moab. According to Rabbi Sacks, he was known as the keeper of the secrets of blessing and curse. Yet the donkey is a greater prophet, by showing Balaam humility and obedience to G-d’s plan. “NO” is the most difficult word to hear and obey, and it is also the most important, as it is the sign someone cares. Thus language and intention matters, whether it is in our relationship with one another, with a donkey or another animal, or with the voice of an angel or G-d.
This Shabbat we also celebrate a special person whom I will call a computer whisperer. He intuitively knows what computer and technical equipment is needed, and helps people all ages. He is the volunteer webmaster of the Library Minyan website, and the Zoom Host of the TBA Film Group. He is kind and caring, humble, patient and fun, in his work with people, and playful with computer parts that need to be fixed or recycled. Yom Huledet Sameach to Bob Roosth on celebrating his birthday today!
I am grateful for celebrating and sharing today! Shabbat Shalom!