“Bilaam raised his eyes and saw Bnei Yisrael dwelling according to its tribes….” (Bamidbar 24:2)
The mishnah in Pirkei Avos (5:19) highlights the contrast between the talmidim of Avraham and the talmidim of Bilaam. The former have “a good eye, a humble spirit, and a modest soul”; the latter possess “an evil eye, a haughty spirit, and a greedy soul.” These correspond to the three middos, jealousy, lust and power, which drive a person out of this world. The mishnah further states that the talmidim of Avraham will reap the benefits of their actions both in This World and in the next, while those of Bilaam end up in the lowest section of Gehinnom.
Why does the mishnah draw the distinction between the disciples of Avraham and Bilaam rather than between Moshe and Bilaam, who were contemporaries? Furthermore, Bilaam is compared to Moshe in prophecy — why not in middos as well? (Rav Eliezer Chrysler, Middei Shabbos)
Ninth-grade biology — the intricacies of genetics.
“This won’t hurt,” my teacher was insisting as she handed out the kits. “One small pinprick and you’ll know your blood type. Then go home and compare your results with your parents.”
“I’m going to pass out!” Devora was always melodramatic
“I don’t believe in types.” Tzippy — ever politically correct.
“Hey!” Rivka yelled. “I’m A-plus!”
“Don’t you wish you could put that on your report card?” muttered Rina. “I’m B minus. Too bad.”
