The Torah, in Parshat Balak, tells us about one of the greatest prophets in history, a prophet from among the nations of the world — Balaam, son of Beor. He was so great that our sages remarked that even though it is said, "And there was no other prophet who arose in Israel like Moshe" (Deuteronomy 34;10), among the nations, there did arise such a prophet, and he was Balaam, son of Beor. But Balaam's fate was bitter because he attempted to harm the people of Israel.
We see something extraordinary in Balaam: despite his intention to curse Israel, he ultimately blesses them. He blesses Israel because within him resides two conflicting feelings: on the one hand he admires the people of Israel and on the other hand, precisely because of this admiration, he is jealous of them. Therefore, he has no choice; he wants to curse them but ends up blessing them.
This complicated attitude towards the Jewish people can be observed throughout history amongst the nations of the world. The fact that the people of Israel were chosen from all the nations for the benefit of the nations: "And all the families of the earth shall be blessed in you"(Genesis 12:4) is recognized by humanity, sometimes consciously, sometimes subconsciously. But in the end, this knowledge exists and paradoxically causes a certain kind of anti-Semitism.
For example, within a family, a child greatly favored by his parents may feel a need to retaliate against them for their kindness. Every psychoanalyst is familiar with this phenomenon. This can be linked to Balaam, son of Beor, who wanted to curse us.
When we enter the synagogue, we specifically recall Balaam's words, as it is said, "How goodly are your tents, O Yaakov, your dwelling places, O Israel!" (Numbers,24;5) Essentially, the presence of prophecy among the nations and its mention within the Torah brings hope for humanity that the abundance of divine inspiration poured upon Israel will also influence the nations of the world.
In one of our ancient Midrashim, Tanna D'bei Eliyahu, it is said: I bear witness by the heavens and the earth (Eliyahu states a universal truth among Israelites and Gentiles (regardless of their religion or ethnicity), among men and women (regardless of gender), among servants and maids (irrespective of social status), all according to their deeds - so the DIVINE Spirit rests upon them.
To Summarize, Eliyahu states that the Divine Spirit rests upon a person based on their actions, not their identity or circumstances. Thus, we hope for the abundant Holy Spirit to descend from heaven on Israel and world.
