לקוטי שיחות חלק ב׳ - בלק ב

Even during exile, the Jewish people remain a “lion” and a “lioness.” One does not accept a person's views merely because of distinguished lineage if those views run contrary to the Torah.

The verse, “He crouched, he lay down like a lion and like a lioness” refers to the time of exile. Even during exile, the Jewish people remain a “lion” and a “lioness,” because the soul itself was never sent into exile.

Bilam and Amalek are related in concept. In fact, when the names “Bilam” and “Amalek” are written one above the other, the first half of the combined letters forms “Bilam” and the second half forms “Amalek.” The idea is that both Bilam and Amalek possessed distinguished ancestry: Amalek descended from Yitzchak and Avraham, while Bilam descended from Lot. The lesson is that when a person speaks—even if he comes from an illustrious lineage—his words are not accepted if they contradict the Torah.

Through fear and love of G‑d, one can discern what is contrary to the Divine will. This is also reflected in the relationship between love (ahavah) and fear (yirah): when the words are arranged one above the other, the first half forms “yirah” and the second half forms “ahavah,” illustrating their close connection.

Bilam acknowledged that the Jewish people are the children of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs, and that they remain a chariot for G‑dliness even while engaged in physical matters.

The verse states: “For from the mountaintops I see him, and from the hills I behold him.” This was said by Bilam son of Beor, a descendant of Lavan, who had once declared, “The daughters are my daughters...” Yet Bilam himself admitted that the Jewish people are not the children of Lavan, but of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs.

The lesson in personal service is as follows: Lavan argues that since the soul descends into this world and must engage in physical affairs, once it becomes involved with material matters it belongs to Lavan and his worldview. The truth, however, is that even when a Jew is occupied with physical concerns, he remains aware of the Divine purpose within those activities. Consequently, he remains a child of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs, who were a chariot for G‑dliness in every aspect of their lives.