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Why does the Torah (תורה) reverse the natural sequence of sin, listing heart before eyes when Rashi (רש"י) explains that the eye sees first, then the heart desires? The eye only notices what the heart is already interested in seeing. This principle applies equally to noticing people with genuine care and concern.
This shiur examines a fundamental question about the Torah (תורה)'s description of the pathology of sin in Parshas Shelach. The passuk warns against following "after your heart and after your eyes," and Rashi (רש"י) explains that the eye and heart are the "brokers of sin" - the eye sees, the heart desires, and the body acts. However, this creates an apparent contradiction: if the natural sequence is eye-heart-body, why does the Torah list heart before eyes? Rabbi Zweig resolves this by demonstrating that the eye only sees what the heart is already looking for. He illustrates this with the common experience of not noticing whether someone wears glasses despite seeing them daily. We literally don't see what we're not interested in seeing. The heart's interest determines what the eye will notice and register.
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Parshas Shelach - Lo sasuru achrei levavchem v'acharei eineichem
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