בלק |Balak

Susie Lubell, USA/Israel

On a first read of parashat Balak, we encounter a ruler who, fearing the reputation and growing numbers of the Israelites, asks the prophet Bilam to curse them. And, in what has become one of the Torah’s most quotable moments, instead of cursing the Israelites, he blesses them: “ישראל משכנותך מה טובו אוהלך יעקוב / How lovely are your tents, O Jacob, your dwelling places, O Israel.”  It’s a colorful story, equal parts comedy, drama, magic, and gore. There’s a paranoid ruler, a prophet, an angel, a plague, a massacre, and a talking female donkey.

Professional Background  Susie Lubell is a self-taught artist and illustrator. Her work has been included in galleries and private collections worldwide, including the Lucille Packard Children's Hospital of Palo Alto, which hosts the entire collection of her watercolor animal illustrations. She also creates lively ketubot for wedding and anniversary celebrations and whimsical illustrations for children.