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Why would Hashem (ה׳) use the corrupt Bilaam to bless Israel when He could give blessings Himself? Bilaam's mission was to connect the nations to Klal Yisrael, giving them a share in the World to Come. His failure represents a missed opportunity for universal tikkun olam.
The shiur begins with fundamental questions about Parshas Balak: Why would Hashem (ה׳) use the corrupt Bilaam to bless Klal Yisrael when He could give blessings directly? How could Bilaam, described as embodying every perversion, be compared to Avrohom Avinu or serve as a substitute for Moshe Rabbeinu? Rabbi Zweig develops a revolutionary understanding based on a careful reading of the Mishna in Sanhedrin about who has a share in the World to Come. The foundation lies in understanding two different creations described in Bereishis. In chapter one (Bereishis Bara Elokim), man is created as tzelem Elokim - a 'picture' of God who feels self-sufficient (levado). This represents the gentile nations who perceive God as distant (be'elyonim) while they rule the lower world (betachtonim). In chapter two (Hashem Elokim), man is created as d'mut Elokim - a 'model' of God who recognizes his incompleteness. This represents the Jewish people, created 'bishvil Avrohom,' whose goal is to make Hashem king both above and below.
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Parshas Balak
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