BALAK
The Nesivos Shalom explains that in the end Bilam had to bless the JP because they were unified, and a curse can only rest on an individual separated from the whole JP, not a tzibur that is all together. This fits with the tradition that "Mah tovu..." is about our schools and shuls, as these places bring us together where no-one stands alone. Bilam's plan had been to destroy the JP by making them into a collection of seperate individuals, as opposed to one collective. Thus, he wanted to get rid of Batei Knesiot and Batei Medrashot, the centers that unite the JP. And this is the meaning of the verse that says Hashem turned the curse into a blessing - He ensured that these institutions would always be with the JP, so that they would be eternally united and no curse could take hold against them.