“Donkeys know nothing about Gazpacho” is my attempt to translate an old Arabic saying I learned from my first-year Yeshiva Rabbi. It illustrates a situation where someone or something is unable to comprehend higher knowledge, using donkeys humorously to symbolize ignorance about sophisticated culinary topics.
Parshat Balak recounts King Balak of Moab’s fear of the Jewish people and his hiring of the prophet Bilam to curse them. Bilam, aware of the Jews’ divine protection, attempts to break their relationship with Hashem through his curse. On his journey, Bilam’s donkey sees an angel blocking the path and refuses to proceed, crushing Bilam’s foot against a wall. Unaware of the angel, Bilam beats the donkey until Hashem miraculously opens its mouth, rebuking Bilam for his harsh treatment.
This story isn’t just a humorous interlude in Sefer Bamidbar; it holds profound lessons. Despite being a respected prophet, Bilam’s spiritual blindness prevents him from perceiving what even the humble donkey sees. This role reversal challenges our assumptions about wisdom and vision. Bilam, blinded by greed and desire for honor, fails to see divine intervention, whereas the donkey, a symbol of humility, perceives it clearly.
The talking donkey reminds us of the importance of humility and being open to messages from unexpected sources. It warns against arrogance and the belief that our status or intellect makes us infallible. Often, truth emerges from the most unlikely places, teaching us to remain humble and attentive. The story also underscores the tremendous gift of prophecy, which, while intended for good, could have been misused for spreading curses and hatred.
Ultimately, unlike donkeys, humans created in Hashem’s image have the capacity to understand and express values. Yet, we must be mindful of how we use this ability. If we stray from righteousness, a metaphorical donkey might remind us to maintain purity in our speech and actions.
Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Elisha Guberman and the JET Team
