Bilam the Prophet

As we prepare to read Parashat Balak (at least outside of Israel), we wonder why Hazal (Sifrei 357) draw a comparison between Moshe and Bilam that appears to flatter a sworn enemy of Israel at the expense of our greatest prophet?  What can we learn about the midrashic mind from a close reading of this familiar—and misunderstood—midrash? Simi Peters explored this question in her essay, “Is Bilam the Greatest Prophet?” TRADITION 52:3 (Summer 2020).