No community start suggestion yet.
Why does the passuk say "tell your children... and then you will know I am Hashem (ה׳)" instead of the reverse? The Torah (תורה) reveals a fundamental yesod: parents don't primarily shape children—children shape parents. A person's true yichus is not ancestors but descendants, and spiritual growth often flows upward through generations.
Rabbi Zweig analyzes a seemingly awkward formulation in Parshas Bo regarding the purpose of the makkos. The passuk states that Hashem (ה׳) brought the plagues so that Bnei Yisrael would tell their children and grandchildren what He did in Egypt, "and then you will know I am Hashem." This sequence appears illogical—one would expect the verse to say first "you will know I am Hashem" from witnessing the miracles, and then "you will tell your children." Additionally, the idea that repeatedly telling a story makes it true for the teller seems psychologically unhealthy. The Torah (תורה) is teaching a profound yesod about life that most people don't fully grasp: It's not primarily who the parents are that determines what the children become, but rather where the children go that determines what the parents become. This reverses the common assumption that children are simply products of their parents' values and observance level.
Looking for the full summary?
Full access is available to members of the TUF Alumni Association or the Yam Hagadol Foundation.
Already a member? Let the admin know!
Dedicate a Shiur in Parsha
L'ilui nishmas a loved one. In honor of a simcha or yahrzeit. As a zechus for a refuah sheleimah. Your dedication helps carry Rabbi Zweig's Torah to learners around the world.
Up Next in this Series
Why does Rashi give conflicting descriptions of Israel's leaders in Egypt? The shiur explores how two different leadership styles emerged: those who pushed people to work harder while taking beatings, versus those who simply absorbed punishment to spare their people. The Torah prioritizes the first type - leaders who accomplish things even when unpopular.
Why does the Midrash connect Pharaoh's expulsion of the Jews to the mitzvah of shiluach hakan? The shiur develops a chiddush that Pharaoh's sin wasn't only drowning the children, but the insensitivity of expelling the parents afterward. The deeper analysis reveals that Pharaoh may have valued the Jews greatly and wanted to control them—making his expulsion an act of tremendous cruelty, not liberation.
Why does Moshe respond to the splitting of the sea with shirah rather than praise or thanksgiving? Rashi's use of "al libo" reveals that shirah is an emotional expression—a response of love to love. When Hashem shows personal care, the only adequate response is "I love You too," not mere gratitude or praise, and this principle applies to all relationships.
Parshas Bo - purpose of the makkos and transmission to children
Looking for the full transcript?
Full access is available to members of the TUF Alumni Association or the Yam Hagadol Foundation.
Already a member? Let the admin know!
Why didn't Noach daven for his generation while Avrohom advocated for Sedom? Noach viewed each person as an independent island responsible only for their own teshuvah. Avrohom understood that all humanity is interconnected through shared perspective and values, making prayer for others both possible and necessary.
