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Why is Balaam's blessing the first thing we say when we enter synagoue to pray each morning? Rashi explains that Balaam saw that the doorways of the Israelite's tents each opened to a different direction, no two faced each other. There are two types of unity in the world. One occurs when people carefully watch each other, making sure that no one steps out of line or does something different than his neighbor. There is another type of unity in which people have different opinions, different outlooks on life -- their doors do not face each other -- and yet there is still an acceptance and unity between them. This is what Balaam saw and blessed. This is how we must enter the synagogue each morning -- together with Jews of different viewpoints and opinions, but still to pray as one. Shalom Brodt
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