This Shabbat, we read Parashat Balak, which contains one of the most beautiful and surprising blessings in the Torah. The prophet Balaam, hired to curse Israel, instead looks upon their encampment and declares:

מַה־טֹּבוּ אֹהָלֶיךָ יַעֲקֹב מִשְׁכְּנֹתֶיךָ יִשְׂרָאֵל
"How goodly are your tents, O Jacob, your dwelling places, O Israel!" (Numbers 24:5)

These words remind us that our homes, camps, and gathering places are meant to be sanctuaries of safety, joy, and peace.

This week, we are heartbroken by the tragedy in Texas, where a sudden flash flood took the lives of so many people, including 27 young girls and their staff at camp. As someone who spent formative summers at Camp Ramah, I know how deeply camp shapes our souls. Camp is a place where tents become sacred spaces, cabins become homes, and friendships become lifelong blessings. 

It is hard to comprehend such loss. Yet, Balaam’s blessing can uplift us even now. Rashi teaches that he saw the entrances of the tents not facing each other – a sign of dignity, care, and respect for every person’s space and life. May we honour these lost souls by rededicating ourselves to lives of kindness and dignity, making our tents and homes places that reflect God’s Presence in the world.

We pray for comfort for the families, friends, and communities of these precious children. May the One who makes peace on high bring peace and healing to all who mourn.

יהי זכרם ברוך
May their memories be for a blessing.

Shabbat Shalom.

Rabbi Steven Wernick