Conversation with a Donkey

The following comments are taken from my father's writings.

And the Lord opened the mouth of the ass, and she said to Balaam: ‘What have I done to you that you have smitten me these three times (shalosh regalim)?’                                    Numbers 22:28

          And the Lord opened the mouth of the ass

Balaam’s power resided in his mouth.            Rashi

          Thus God opened the mouth of the ass, to demonstrate to Balaam that the power of speech comes from God. However, unlike the ass, humans have the power of willful choice, and can decide when and what to say.

.. that you have smitten me these three times (shalosh regalim)?’

The ass hinted to Balaam, ‘you wish to uproot the nation which celebrates three festivals (shalosh regalim).                                         Rashi

          The three pilgrimage festivals (shalosh regalim), when Israel ascended to the Temple, allowed the nation to draw spiritual renewal and to unite them, two attributes which make Israel immune to the threats of other nations.