1. Bilaam’s Blessings and Their Unique Power
Today we are studying Parshas Boloch, a portion that teaches us many profound lessons about Torah and Yiddishkeit—Jewish life—from an unexpected source: the words of Bilaam. Although Bilaam was an enemy of the Jewish people and intended to curse them, he was ultimately compelled to bless them instead. The blessings that emerge from such a reversal, when an adversary is forced to offer praise, are often even more powerful than those given willingly. There is a certain strength in a blessing that comes from the other side, so to speak, and Bilaam’s words contain some of the most significant blessings found in the Torah.
2. The Perplexing Double Language of Seeing
One particular verse in Bilaam’s speech stands out as perplexing: Ki meroysh tzurim ar’enu, u’migvoyis ash’urenu—“From the top of the boulders I see them, and from the hilltops I behold them.” The verse uses two different terms for seeing: ar’enu and ash’urenu. The first refers to seeing from the top of large stones or boulders (tzurim), while the second refers to seeing from elevated areas or hilltops (gvoyis). This double language raises questions about its deeper meaning.
3. Interpreting Fathers and Mothers in the Verse
The sages explain that this verse alludes to both the fathers and mothers of the Jewish people. The “top of the boulders” refers to our forefathers—Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov—while “hilltops” refers to our foremothers—Sarah, Rivka, Rachel, and Leah. Bilaam is expressing that he sees the Jewish people as descendants of these strong foundations: both their patriarchs and matriarchs. This dual perspective highlights how both sets of ancestors shape our identity.
Bilaam continues by describing Israel as “a nation that dwells alone,” not counted among other nations. This unique status is attributed to the influence of both fathers and mothers, whose spiritual legacy enables Jews to remain distinct and steadfast throughout history.
4. The Deeper Meaning of Distant and Close Vision
The Rebbe draws attention to the two languages of seeing used in this verse: ar’enu, which implies seeing from afar, and ash’urenu, which suggests seeing something close up. When referring to the forefathers, the Torah uses distant vision; for the foremothers, it uses close vision. This distinction reflects a deeper truth about their respective influences on future generations.
The Rebbe explains that while fathers are associated with Sfirat ha-Khakhma—the attribute of wisdom or conceptual point—mothers correspond to Bina—understanding or development. Although Khakhma is considered higher in some respects (it represents essence or potential), Bina brings ideas into reality by developing details. In human terms, while a father provides the seed (the essential point), it is within the mother’s womb that all details and limbs are formed over nine months.
5. Practical Impact: Mothers’ Influence on Jewish Life
This distinction has practical implications for Jewish life. The father’s contribution may be more abstract or distant—a general overview or inspiration—while the mother’s role is more immediate and detailed, shaping daily life within the home. The Rebbe notes that it is often through mothers that children receive their practical education in Torah observance (Torah u’mitzvos). The nurturing environment created by mothers enables children to withstand challenges and live out their Judaism in tangible ways.
This dynamic reflects two levels discussed in Chassidus: Yehudu ilo—a higher unity where worldly existence is nullified before Hashem—and Yehudu tato—a lower unity where we engage with existence but infuse it with holiness. While fathers may represent lofty ideals, mothers ensure those ideals are realized within everyday life.
6. Building a Jewish Home: Partnership Between Father and Mother
The Rebbe emphasizes that both roles are necessary for a complete Jewish home (bayis Yehudi shalem). While fathers may provide overarching direction or inspiration, it is typically mothers who ensure every detail aligns with Torah values. Together they create an environment where holiness can dwell (shelinah sheruyah beneihem)—the Divine Presence rests when both contribute their unique strengths.
This partnership remains relevant today. Even as modern families often require both parents to work outside the home, traditionally it was primarily mothers who stabilized family life and ensured proper Jewish education for their children. Ultimately, it is this combination—meroysh tzurim ar’enu u’migvoyis ash’urenu—the influence of both fathers and mothers—that assures not only continuity but also vitality within Jewish homes across generations.