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How can Jews say Naaseh V'Nishma without first hearing what they're committing to? The shiur argues that V'Nishma means "it will become self-evident" - mitzvos aren't external burdens but our truest form of self-expression and fulfillment. This explains why angels also say Naaseh V'Nishma despite not learning Torah (תורה).
This shiur presents a revolutionary understanding of Naaseh V'Nishma through careful analysis of multiple Talmudic sources. The speaker begins by examining a Gemara (גמרא) in Masechta Shabbos (שבת) (daf 108) where a Tzeduki mocks Rava for learning Torah (תורה) so intensely that blood flows from his fingers, calling Jews an 'impulsive nation' for saying Naaseh V'Nishma without first hearing what they were committing to. Rava responds that Jews serve Hashem (ה׳) with temimus (wholesomeness) rather than perversity. The central thesis emerges: mitzvos are not external impositions requiring self-discipline and resistance-overcoming, but rather the ultimate expression of human fulfillment. The speaker argues that V'Nishma should be understood in the nif'al form - 'it will be understood' - rather than 'we shall understand.' This means: 'We shall do (Naaseh), and through our doing, it will become self-evident (V'Nishma) that this is our highest form of self-expression and fulfillment.'
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Shabbos 108a, Bava Basra (tzedakah collection)
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