For the source text click/tap here: Bava Batra 60
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The Gemara asks: From where are these matters, i.e., that one may not open an entrance opposite another entrance, or a window opposite another window, derived? Rabbi Yoḥanan says that the verse states:
“And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel dwelling tribe by tribe; and the spirit of God came upon him” (Numbers 24:2).
The Gemara explains: What was it that Balaam saw that so inspired him? He saw that the entrances of their tents were not aligned with each other, ensuring that each family enjoyed a measure of privacy. And he said: If this is the case, these people are worthy of having the Divine Presence rest on them.
We explore the issues of privacy learned from this pericope and some added dimensions with the discovery of the Deir Alah inscriptions.