Inside Outside

מה בין תלמידיו של אברהם אבינו לתלמידיו של בלעם הרשע

(Avos 5:19)

The Mishna enumerates key differences between the character of the students of Avraham and the character of the students of Bilam.

The question is asked: Why doesn't the Mishna just enumerate the differences between Avraham and Bilam themselves? Certainly, the difference would be just as obvious as the difference between their respective students!

In a Sicha, the Rebbe explains that, on the outside, Bilam espoused to be like Avraham: he put on a nice show of righteousness, kindness and nobility. Yet, Bilam's true character and deepest aspirations were quite the opposite of Avraham's.

And it was the unspoken, intangible, yet ever-present reality that had the ultimate and greatest impact on his students. Thus, much like Bilam himself, his students were haughty, had an evil eye, and flagrant character.


Despite Bilam's noble facade, his students' behavior ultimately reflected his true character.

***

Children pick up on nuances. They do not understand compromises. They see through hypocrisy, and cannot tolerate "half-truths" (if there even is such a thing).

Their heightened sensitivity allows them to "see" our true colors, albeit subconsciously. 

What children learn by osmosis, often outshines, and in most cases overpowers, our deliberate and conscious efforts. They sense and learn from our true, most internal intentions and beliefs, more than they do from our external words and actions. 

Thus, the end result - our children's own behavior and aspirations - will often reflect that which was unseen and unsaid.

***

Our Avoda may lack perfection, and our Chinuch may have room for (much) improvement. Yet, we do not relent. We forge ahead, seek inspiration, and remember to do everything L'shem Shomayim.

When we proceed in our Avoda with a Bittul to Hashem and a dedication to our Tafkid, we can be assured that children and students will transcend our shortcomings, and be inspired by the beauty and Kedusha of our deepest aspirations and intentions. 

May we merit to raise children who are truly "Students of Avraham Avinu".