No community start suggestion yet.
Why does Parshas Vayeitzei open with Yaakov leaving Beer Sheva when last week's parsha already described his departure twice? The shiur argues that the new parsha marks a critical transition: Yaakov spent fourteen hidden years in the yeshiva of Shem V'Ever — not to study, but for protection from Esav. This wasn't a violation of kibbud av; it was kibbud av, sparing Yitzchok the pain of knowing Esav sought to kill his brother.
Rabbi Zweig addresses a fundamental textual question: Parshas Toldos concludes with Yaakov being sent away by Yitzchok to find a wife in Padan Aram, and the Torah (תורה) states twice that he departed. Why, then, does Parshas Vayeitzei open yet again with "Vayeitzei Yaakov mi'Beer Sheva vayeilech Charana"? Rashi (רש"י) explains that the parsha returns to the narrative after a digression about Esav's marriage to Yishmael's daughter, but this doesn't fully account for the repetition or the change in location (Beer Sheva versus Hebron). The shiur develops a framework based on Rashi's comment that Yaakov was "nitman" (hidden) in the yeshiva of Shem V'Ever for fourteen years. The word "nitman" suggests Yaakov was not merely studying but actively concealing himself. Rabbi Zweig asks: Why would Yaakov need to hide in yeshiva? He had already spent decades learning — "Yaakov ish tam yoshev ohalim" — so what new educational purpose could this serve?
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.
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.
Bereishis 28:10 (Parshas Vayeitzei)
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!
