A free account is required to play audio and download files.
No community start suggestion yet.
What does genuine kabbalah (acceptance) of mitzvos require beyond making promises? The shiur develops the Ramban (רמב"ן)'s three-part structure: recognizing obligation, internalizing that mitzvos are emes (true and right), and understanding consequences. True commitment means accepting responsibility rather than making vows, which explains why lasting growth requires feeling that Torah (תורה) and mitzvos are inherently beneficial.
This shiur presents a fundamental analysis of the concept of commitment (kabbalah) in Torah (תורה) observance, based primarily on interpretations of the verse "Arur asher lo yakim es divrei haTorah hazos" (Cursed is one who does not uphold the words of this Torah). The speaker examines three major interpretations: Rashi (רש"י) understands 'alah' (curse) as referring to commitment to observe all mitzvos, while Rabbeinu Yonah in Shaarei Teshuvah views it as punishment for failing to perform positive commandments. Ibn Ezra connects it to the previously mentioned curses. The core thesis centers on Ramban (רמב"ן)'s understanding of what constitutes true kabbalah (acceptance). According to Ramban, genuine commitment requires three elements: first, recognizing one's obligation (modeh that I am obligated); second, internalizing that the mitzvos are true and right (emes); and third, understanding there are consequences for both observance and transgression. This differs fundamentally from making promises or oaths.
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!
Arur asher lo yakim es divrei haTorah hazos
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 Holidays
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.
May a man who has already fulfilled his shofar obligation blow shofar for a woman on Rosh Hashanah? The Baal Itur forbids it while Rav Yehuda permits it. The shiur develops that the core dispute is not about violating shvus for another's benefit, but whether a man's blowing creates a "tekiah shel mitzvah" that enables the woman to be yotzei.
Why does the Gemara connect Purim to Tisha B'Av using "just like"—here you *decrease* joy, here you *increase* it? The shiur develops that Purim fixes the sin of Achashverosh's feast, where Klal Yisrael's desire to socialize with goyim revealed a physical disconnection from each other. Mishloach Manot and matanos la'evyonim create the physical unity—eating and drinking together—that is the tikkun for sinas chinam and the foundation for Kabbalas HaTorah.
Why is the Haggadah in Aramaic, and what does "haggadah" (which means both storytelling and harsh speech) really mean? The shiur develops that Aramaic represents the ability to see from another's perspective, the foundation of true communication. Pesach night's she'eilah u'teshuvah (question-and-answer) format demands we understand what the listener truly needs to hear—creating unity through genuine dialogue rather than prepared speeches.
Why did Mordecai provoke Haman by refusing to bow, endangering all the Jews? Rabbi Zweig argues Mordecai read history and saw the Jewish people on the brink of spiritual destruction—enjoying Achashverosh's party celebrating Judaism's demise meant they had become self-hating. By provoking a crisis, Mordecai forced Jews to face that assimilation was no refuge and reconnect to their roots.