>>21217357>Israel was immune because "Rachel was there, and when she saw that his eye was sharpened to hurt them, she went forth and spread her wings over them and covered her children." Rachel protected Israel from Bilam's gaze, just as Joseph had protected her from Esav's gaze (Zohar III:202b).>Although (or because) he could not curse Israel, Bilam advised Balak that he could bring about the nation's downfall through sexual immorality, for "their God hates zimah, and they really like linen. Erect for them curtained booths, and place within them zonot-old women outside, and young girls inside, to sell linen garments" (San. 106a).>"Balak saw by his stargazing that Israel would fall by his hand. Therefore, he offered his daughter for prostitution, and through her 24,000 fell" (NR 20:7). This daughter was KazbiRabbi Akiva, considered the "Abba" (Father) of Rabbinic Judaism, came from a family of Gentile converts descended from enemies of the Jews. Kabbalists believe that Rabbi Akiba was a gilgul (reincarnation) of Zimri, a prince of the Tribe of Simeon who participated in the Heresy of Peor.
https://www.jewishhistory.org/rabbi-akiva-2/>Among the many great figures in Jewish history, Rabbi Akiva arguably represents a combination of everything that is heroic about the Jewish people more than anyone else. At the least, he is one of the most beloved figures in Jewish history, a person whose influence and stature is a source of inspiration throughout all of the ages. Whatever one says about Rabbi Akiva one can never say enough. The Talmud (Menachos 29a) compares him favorably to Moses, which is the ultimate compliment in the Jewish lexicon. He is the national hero of the Jewish people for all time 