Balaam, Job, and Yitro, Pharaoh’s three counselors TB Sanhedrin 106

Because Passover less than two weeks away I don’t believe that we study about Balaam’s role in the persecution of the Jewish people in Egypt on days daf TB Sanhedrin 106 is a coincidence. Our Gemara is teaching us an important lesson of empathy and speaking out.

The Israelites flourished and multiplied in Egypt. The Jewish people’s problem in Egypt began when the new king arose. “A new king arose over Egypt who did not know Joseph. And he said to his people, ‘Look, the Israelite people are much too numerous for us. Let us deal shrewdly with them, so that they may not increase; otherwise in the event of war they may join our enemies in fighting against us and rise from the ground.’” (Exodus 1:8-10) According to the Gemara, Pharaoh turned to his three counselors, Balaam, Job, and Yitro, for advice how to deal with his “Jewish Question.” Each advisor responded differently.

“Rabbi Ḥiyya bar Abba says that Rabbi Simai says: Three were associates in that counsel, and they are: Balaam, Job, and Yitro. Balaam, who advised to drown the newborn males, was killed (for more details about his death, see TB Sanhedrin 106b). Job, who was silent and was reluctant to express his opinion, was sentenced to suffer afflictions. And Yitro, who fled after he disagreed with that counsel and Pharaoh sought to kill him, his descendants were privileged to sit as scribes in session with the Sanhedrin in the Chamber of Hewn Stone, as it is stated: “And the families of the scribes who dwelt in Jabez; the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, the Sucathites. These were the Kenites who came of Hammath the father of the house of Rechab” (I Chronicles 2:55). And it is written there with regard to the identity of the Kenites: “And the children of the Kenite, Moses’ father-in-law, went up from the city of the palm trees” (Judges 1:16).” (Sefaria.org translation)

“At first glance it seems difficult to understand why Job was punished. Since Pharaoh was antagonistic toward the Children of Israel, even if Job would have spoken on their behalf, nothing would have been accomplished. The proof is that Yitro was rewarded for running away in protest. Had it been within Yitro’s power to influence Pharaoh, his response would not have merited reward.

“The Brisker Rav, Rabbi Yitzkhak Zev Solveitchick, offered a classic explanation. True, Job knew that speaking out would not change Pharaoh’s mind, but he should have protested nonetheless, as Yitro did by fleeing. When something hurts, a person screams. If a person remains silent, it shows that he does not feel pain. Job was taught this lesson. He would suffer, and although shouting would not help, he would realize that when one suffers, one cries out. Previously, he should have felt the suffering of others; now he would feel his own.” (Love Your Neighbor by Zelig Pliskin, page 128-129)

Undocumented immigrants, legal immigrants, and even United States citizens have been rounded up and deported to a notorious prison in El Salvador without the due process of law guaranteed by the Constitution. The Trump administration has granted itself the authority to deport Venezuelan migrants accused of being gang members on the basis of little more than whether they have tattoos or have worn clothing associated with the criminal organization. Tattoos are astoundingly thin evidence of gang membership and would be laughed out of court if presented. The administration has acknowledged it has deported a Maryland man with protected legal status to a prison in El Salvador because of an “administrative error,” but lacked the ability to have him released. This administration feels it is above the law and can do whatever it pleases. No one is safe if the Trump administration disregards the safeguard of a writ of habeas corpus.

The above is only one example of injustice. There is not a segment of vulnerable people who DOGE hasn’t impacted in a negative way. Today’s daf teaches us to empathize with those who are suffering. Remaining quiet is not an option. Running away is not an option. Our tradition demands that we empathize, stand up, speak out, and fight for truth, justice, and the American way.