A free account is required to play audio and download files.
No community start suggestion yet.
Why does the Talmud (תלמוד) introduce the destruction of three cities with "Happy is the person who fears constantly"? The shiur explains that "ro'eh es hanolad" (seeing consequences) from Avos isn't intellectual ability but the moral capacity to step back from subjective desires and view situations objectively. Sinas chinam stems from wanting total control - another's existence becomes hateful because it forces considering their perspective, which someone driven by personal agenda cannot tolerate.
This shiur examines the Talmudic teaching "Ashrei adam mefached tamid" (Happy is the person who fears constantly) as the introduction to the stories of the three destroyed cities - Jerusalem, Betar, and Tur Malka. Rashi (רש"י) explains that these cities were destroyed because the people failed to see the nolad (the consequences of their actions), lacking the foresight to anticipate how others would react to their behavior. The discussion centers on a Mishna in Pirkei Avos where Rabbi Shimon defines the best path as "ro'eh es hanolad" (seeing what will be born/consequences). This appears puzzling since the Mishna discusses character traits, yet "seeing consequences" seems like an intellectual ability. The shiur resolves this by explaining that "ro'eh es hanolad" refers not to intelligence but to the moral capacity to step back from one's subjective desires and view situations objectively.
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!
Gittin 55b-56a
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!
Dedicate a Shiur in Aggadita
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.
How long must Hashem tolerate the Jewish people's rebellious behavior? A Midrash compares this to the halachic question of carrying a child holding muktze on Shabbos. The analysis reveals that rejecting Eretz Yisrael represents a deeper spiritual corruption than individual acts of avoda zara.
What did Dovid mean when he reduced the 613 mitzvos to twelve principles? The Gemara reveals that mitzvos have two dimensions: fulfilling the obligation and achieving personal completion (hashlomah). Dovid identified twelve core principles that encapsulate the essential character development aspect of all mitzvos.
Why does the Torah write 'Bereishis bara Elokim' in a way that could grammatically suggest someone created God? The ambiguity is intentional, revealing that Israel (called 'reishis') participates in making God King through accepting His sovereignty. This partnership explains why we become God's 'mother' in the Gemara's reading of Shir HaShirim - we crown Him through 'na'aseh v'nishma.'
What does the Midrash mean by calling the Jewish people 'daughters of waves' - daughters of the outstanding patriarchs? The shiur develops a yesod distinguishing 'ben' (independent choice) from 'bas' (inherited patterns), revealing two types of teshuvah. Jews should return to Hashem instinctively through inherited spiritual patterns, not just through conscious deliberation.
