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Why does the Torah (תורה) specifically address the laws of neder annulment to the "roshei hamatos" rather than the usual hierarchy of Torah teachers? The shiur argues that nedarim represent a civil rather than religious power, borrowed from the king's administrative authority, not his Torah wisdom.
The shiur begins with Rashi (רש"י)'s comment on the opening pasuk of Parshas Matos, where Moshe speaks first to the "roshei hamatos" (heads of tribes) about the laws of nedarim, giving them honor by teaching them first. Rashi explains this is because the annulment of nedarim can be done either by a "yochid mumcheh" (expert individual) or "sheloshah hedyotos" (three laypeople). However, Rabbi Zweig questions why the Torah (תורה) specifically mentions "roshei hamatos" rather than the seventy elders or the Sanhedrin if this is about Torah expertise. The analysis develops a fundamental distinction between two types of authority: Torah-based leadership and civil/administrative leadership. Rabbi Zweig argues that "roshei hamatos" represents political and administrative leadership rather than Torah scholarship. While these leaders were likely also Torah scholars, their function as "roshei hamatos" was specifically administrative - organizing the camp, managing resources, and handling civil matters.
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Parshas Matos 30:2
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