Chok L'Yisrael - Balak for Wednesday

 

Chok L'Yisrael

Balak for Wednesday

There is one who steals without being seen. This one lives among people and looks upon them with an evil eye. Shame and belief in the One above go together; if one leaves, so does the other.

Our Sages taught: Whoever works on the eve of Shabbat or of a Festival past nine and a half hours, or immediately at the conclusion of Shabbat or a Festival, or on Chanukah or Purim, or in any situation that has a trace of sin — this includes a public fast day — will never see a sign of blessing.

It once happened that a certain woman spent the eve of Shabbat spinning instead of properly preparing what was needed for Shabbat, and she died. Someone saw in a dream that her eyes and hands were being burned with stalks of flax. He asked: Why is she being punished in this manner? They answered him: Because on Shabbat eve, she occupied herself with flax rather than with what was needed for Shabbat.

Yosef le-Chok
(Sefer Chasidim, 119-121)

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The concept of evil eye (ayin hara) refers to the negative energy caused by envy or ill-will, which can bring misfortune upon those targeted by it. The passage emphasizes that maintaining a sense of shame and a strong belief in G-d helps protect against this harmful influence.

The sanctity of time: Certain times have special spiritual potency. Shabbat, in particular, is a day when the spiritual and physical worlds are in closest alignment. Preparing for and observing these sacred times properly open channels for Divine blessing and spiritual growth.

The eyes symbolize spiritual perception, hands represent action, and flax represents mundane, material concerns. The burning symbolizes purification or punishment for misaligning these faculties.

Preparation for spiritual events is crucial. The energy and intention put into preparation can elevate mundane actions to spiritual significance. Preparing for Shabbat, for instance, is a way of drawing down Divine blessings for the coming week.