The Haftarah portion for Balak (Micah 5:6-6:8) narrated in English by Ronald Guttman.
Questions for Discussion:
This week’s haftarah concludes with the famous formulation of what it is that God demands of us: “Only to do justice, to love goodness, and to walk modestly with your God.” Anyone who has ever tried to live by this injunction knows that it’s straightforward simplicity masks great complexity; the just path is not always self-evident, and “walking with God” often requires not only modesty but great self-confidence, sometimes even chutzpah. At the same time, we can sometimes get so overwhelmed or confused by complexity that we can make poor decisions, or get mired in inaction.
• When do you find yourself resorting to reductionism and oversimplification, such that you need to be reminded of nuance?
• When do you find yourself so lost in complexity, that simple straightforward reminders such as this are essential?

JTS wishes to acknowledge the generosity of the Jewish Publication Society for allowing us to use their translation.