1. Bilaam’s Blessings and the Lion Imagery
Today we read the beautiful blessings that Bilaam bestowed upon the Jewish people. Notably, he compares them to a lion, using two distinct Hebrew terms: lavi—a fearsome lion, and ari—a regular lion. While English may not capture the nuanced difference between these types of lions, the Torah’s choice of words is deliberate and meaningful. These comparisons appear twice in our Parsha: once in Chamishi and again in Shishi.2. The Order and Meaning of Lion References
In Chamishi, the verse states: henam kilavi yakum v’k’ari yisnaseh—he rises like a young lion and lifts himself up like a lion. Here, the focus is on getting up, on rising with strength. In tomorrow’s portion (Shishi), the language shifts: korah shokhav k’ari u’chilavi mi yekimenu—he crouched, he lay down like a lion and like a fearsome lion; who will rouse him? The Rebbe discusses this in Likkutei Sichos, Chelek Beis, explaining that even when the Jewish people are described as kneeling or lying down (a metaphor for exile), they retain their essential strength and qualities represented by both the ari and lavi.3. The Symbolism of Exile and Strength
The imagery of kneeling or lying down represents times of exile (golus). Even when it appears that the Jewish people are subdued or diminished, they remain a lion at heart—both an ari and a lavi. The Rebbe emphasizes that this status is not lost during difficult times; rather, our inner power persists beneath the surface. The verse’s use of “kneeling” does not mean weakness but rather a temporary state from which we can rise again.4. The Deeper Meaning of “Mi Yekimenu”
The Rebbe offers an insightful interpretation regarding the phrase mi yekimenu. While it is commonly translated as “who will rouse him,” Chazal teach that “Mi” can refer to Hashem Himself, as seen in other verses such as mi mono afar Yaakov. Thus, it is not simply a rhetorical question but an allusion to Hashem being the one who will ultimately lift up the Jewish people from their state of lying down.5. Differences in Order: Lavi Before Ari or Vice Versa
There is also significance in the order of terms: sometimes lavi precedes ari, while elsewhere it is reversed. When describing rising up (yakum, standing tall), the more fearsome aspect (lavi) comes first—it is more apparent when standing strong. In contrast, when lying down (shokhav, subdued), it is harder to distinguish between an ordinary lion and a fearsome one; thus, their order changes to reflect this subtlety.6. Lessons for Jewish Resilience and Identity
The Rebbe’s message is clear: even during times when we appear beaten down or are experiencing exile (golus), we must remember our true nature as both an ari and a lavi. Our strength remains intact; we should never yield in matters of Yiddishkeit—Torah and mitzvos. Our current state may be temporary, but our beloved status before Hashem endures.7. Overcoming Adversity Like Lions
Despite all attempts by Moav, Balak, and Bilaam to curse or harm us, their efforts were overturned. The Jewish people rose up with the might of lions—Kari yisnaseh, kilovi yokum—while those who sought our downfall were themselves brought low. This enduring resilience encapsulates Am Yisroel Chai—the eternal life force of our nation.