| "And Yisrael settled in Shittim…" (Bamidbar 25:1)
How cunning was Bilaam the wicked! Chazal tell us that in the realm of prophecy, he surpassed even Moshe Rabbeinu. He alone knew the exact moment when HaShem expresses anger. He was a master sorcerer, wise in every form of knowledge—and yet, with all that wisdom, to what end did he direct it?
In this week's Parshah we read the episode of the donkey—a story that even among the nations of the world is considered utterly disgraceful. And by the end of the Parshah, with the consequences of his advice, we clearly see where all his wisdom led him.
Rebbe Nachman, in the very first teaching of Likutey Moharan, teaches that the way of the wicked is to completely sever the connection between wisdom and the heart. As the verse says, "But only when his heart is revealed…"—meaning, the desire of the wicked is solely to fulfill their cravings, and they are even willing to destroy the entire world in the process. Just look at what is happening in modern media: it is full of immense knowledge and exposure, everything is made public and unguarded—but all of it is directed toward feeding desires and indulgence.
In contrast, Pinchas the Kohen, one of the tzaddikim who are zealous for the honor of HaShem, is among those whose hearts are under their control. They use their hearts solely to strengthen emunah and to receive true Divine wisdom. Despite living in a world where temptations are easily accessible, they rise above them.
This is the secret of every Jew: to connect the heart—representing Malchus—with the mind, which represents Divine wisdom. To always be seeking, in every situation, "What does HaShem want from me right now?" And then, one will never fall.
Shabbat Shalom | 
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