What is the secret of the survival of the Jewish People in the face of so much hatred from their enemies?

The answer lies in a midrash cited by Rashi in his commentary on this week's Torah portion.

Bilaam, on his way to curse the Jewish People, is described as personally saddling the animal upon which he would ride. Although such menial preparations were below his dignity, his profound hatred of Jews caused him to behave out of character.

The Divine response to his action was: "Wicked fellow, their Patriarch Avraham beat you to it when he personally saddled his animal for the journey to where he would offer his son as a sacrifice to Heaven."

Avraham was so consumed with love for G-d that he personally saddled his animal. It was this love that overcame the effects of Bilaam's hatred.

Increasing our own love of G-d is the best weapon we have for overcoming the hatred of our enemies and thus securing Israel forever.

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