No community start suggestion yet.
Why does the Chinuch say the primary obligation for Korban Tamid falls on the Beis Din rather than the community? The shiur develops a revolutionary understanding that Korban Tamid represents Hashem (ה׳) transferring 'operations' of the world to Klal Yisrael while He retains ownership. This empowerment over time and natural forces explains why Parshas Pinchas repeats the Tamid and why losing it on 17 Tammuz represents such a devastating demotion.
Rabbi Zweig begins by analyzing a perplexing statement in the Chinuch regarding Korban Tamid. While other communal korbanos are described as obligations on the community, the Chinuch uniquely states that the primary obligation for Korban Tamid falls on the Beis Din and Torah (תורה) authorities. This seems inconsistent, since the mitzvah (מצוה) should logically be on the entire Jewish community, with Beis Din merely serving as enforcement. The shiur then examines several other difficult questions: Why does the Rambam (רמב"ם) count the daily morning and evening Tamid as one mitzvah rather than two separate obligations as the Ramban (רמב"ן) argues? What is the meaning of the strange Midrash where Moshe asks Hashem (ה׳) to care for the Jewish people after his death, and Hashem responds that the children should take care of Him instead? Why does Rashi (רש"י) connect the decreasing number of bulls offered during Sukkos (סוכות) (70 total) to the laws of hospitality, teaching how an innkeeper should gradually reduce what he serves guests?
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!
Parshas Pinchas
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 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.
Up Next in this Series
Why does seeing a sotah inspire one to become a nazir? The nazir's abstention creates a pre-sin state where body and soul exist in perfect harmony. This 30-day period corrects the internal contradiction that led to his original transgression.
What is the primary purpose of the cities of refuge - protecting the accidental killer or something else? The shiur argues that creating respect for law takes precedence over providing sanctuary. True deterrence comes from recognizing the gravity of murder itself, not fear of punishment.
How can sinas chinam lead someone to harm himself even more than his enemy? The shiur develops that sinas chinam requires self-hatred first — only someone alienated from himself will damage himself to hurt others. The Bar Kamtsa host and R. Zecharya ben Avkulas both exhibited this self-alienation, showing that proper anava restores love of both self and others.
Why did the brothers hate Yosef when he received the kutonet pasim, yet strangers saw him as special? The kutonet represented Yaakov's recognition of Yosef's leadership ability—his power to uplift and unify. The brothers' jealousy blinded them; the Torah omits his name when they see him (just "oto"), but strangers always saw "Yosef." True chein comes from seeing others clearly, without the bias of our own needs.
Why did the materials for the Mishkan equal exactly what was needed with no waste, despite the principle that blessing doesn't rest on counted items? The shiur explains that Moshe's complete faithfulness—working solely for Hashem's agenda—transformed counting from an act of personal ownership into one that strengthened divine connection, thereby increasing blessings. Korach's self-interest inverted this principle, costing him everything.
Why does Rashi describe the Mishkan as "collateral" for Jewish sins? Rabbi Zweig develops the concept that God limited His own collection rights—accepting only the Mishkan's destruction rather than the nation's annihilation. This reflects the relationship of a father who reduces his own claims to ensure his children's survival.
Why does the Torah give a detailed accounting of silver and copper but not gold in Parshas Pekudei? The three metals represent three types of givers: those who give selflessly (gold), those seeking a two-way benefit (silver), and those buying honor (copper). The Midrash's three groups suspecting or praising Moshe reveal more about themselves than about Moshe—we judge others by our own standards.
