PARSHAS MATTOS
“And Bilaam the son of Be’or they slew with the sword.” (Bamidbar 31:8)
Rashi explains that Bilaam sought to attack Bnei Yisrael with their own weapon — speech. Bnei Yisrael are protected via prayer so Bilaam tried to curse them with his mouth. Therefore when they killed Bilaam they did it via his own personal weapon — the sword. As it says in Bereishis (27:40): “By your sword you shall live.” (Chofetz Chaim al HaTorah)
In ninth grade I took sewing classes. It didn’t make me a seamstress but I learned enough to mend and alter clothing. This skill usually comes in handy before Yom Tov when I have to fix all the clothing I’ve bought for the kids.
I’ve never invested in a sophisticated machine since my proficiency doesn’t warrant that kind of outlay. I get by with my simple Singer that can sew straight seams and the occasional zigzag.
