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Why does the Torah (תורה) credit Avrohom with 172 years of mitzvah (מצוה) observance when he only recognized God at age 40? The shiur argues that Avrohom retroactively sanctified his years of idolatry by using those experiences to reach tens of thousands—something earlier tzaddikim like Shem could never do. True ba'alei teshuvah transform their past into empowerment for others.
Rabbi Zweig opens with the verses from Parshas Toldos (Bereishis 26:4-5) crediting Avrohom with observing all God's laws, mitzvos, chukim, and Torahs. Rashi (רש"י) elaborates that Avrohom kept everything, including rabbinic decrees. The Gemara (גמרא) derives from the word "eikev" (heel, numerically 172) that Avrohom observed mitzvos for 172 years. Since Avrohom lived 175 years, this implies he began observance at age three. The contradiction emerges: the Rambam (רמב"ם) (Hilchos Avodah Zarah 1) states explicitly that Avrohom only recognized God at age forty. The Ra'avad challenges this, pointing to the Gemara's calculation of 172 years. The Kesef Mishna attempts to resolve this by suggesting Avrohom's recognition began at three but only crystallized at forty—but this answer is inadequate, since the Rambam himself describes Avrohom engaging in idolatry during those years.
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Bereishis 26:4-5 (Parshas Toldos)
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