חלק ב — תורה 15

2. However, in actual fact, the true tzaddikim benefit from the existence of these charlatans who impersonate them. For there are wicked people who give charity to the tzaddikim, and charity creates the concept YaBoK—Yichud (unification), Berakhah (blessing), Kedushah (holiness). Each of these three concepts is mentioned in connection with water, which corresponds to charity, as mentioned above. Unification, as it is written (Genesis 1:9), “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered into one area.” Blessing, as it is written (ibid. 1:20), “Let the waters swarm with the swarm of living creatures.” Holiness, as it is written (Numbers 5:17), “the holy water.”

This is the reason there are people who are genuinely charitable yet are adulterous. They sustain themselves from the aforementioned concept of Yabok. In the realm of holiness, Yabok is synonymous with a union of holiness. But in their case this sustainment has been corrupted, and so for them turns into immoral desire; may the Merciful One spare us. Therefore, their charity is detrimental for the tzaddik. For the tzaddik receives the speech of his holy mouth from charity. But when in their case it becomes corrupted, it mars the speech of the tzaddik’s mouth, which he receives from there.

And so, it is a good thing that there are the aforementioned charlatans, because the wicked who give charity turn to them and give to them. This is as the prophet Yirmiyahu stated: “Make them stumble by [sending them] people who are unworthy,” as expounded by our Sages, of blessed memory (Bava Kama 16b). As a result, the true tzaddik is saved from the harm caused by their charity.

Nevertheless, the aforementioned charlatans’ main sustaining power comes from none other than these great tzaddikim whose way it is [to speak] of great accomplishments. But from those who constantly study Torah and conduct themselves simply, they gain no sustenance and strength, as mentioned above.