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Why does Rashi (רש"י) read Koheles 3:1's "time to give birth" as simply referring to pregnancy's nine-month duration? The shiur argues this teaches that God gives preparation time requiring active management rather than reactive responses. Just as people procrastinate because they lack inner strength to act independently, Jewish life demands proactive decision-making about values and challenges rather than following social trends or "shooting from the hip."
Rabbi Zweig continues his analysis of Koheles (Ecclesiastes) 3:1 according to Rashi (רש"י)'s interpretation, focusing on the profound message about taking responsibility for one's life. The shiur begins with Rashi's seemingly mundane reading that "a time to give birth" refers to the nine-month duration of pregnancy, and "a time to die" means generations live finite lifespans. Rather than dismissing these as obvious facts, Rabbi Zweig reveals their deeper significance. The central thesis emerges through an analysis of procrastination. Rabbi Zweig explains that people procrastinate not due to logical reasons - since doing tasks earlier reduces anxiety and improves performance - but because they lack inner strength to act independently. They wait for external pressures to force action, demonstrating an inability to manage their own lives effectively. This connects to Hillel's teaching "Im einai li mi li" (If I am not for myself, who is for me?) - the obligation to take responsibility for oneself rather than waiting for external forces.
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Koheles 3:1
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Why does the Gemara's advice for anxiety - "remove it from your heart" - seem overly simplistic? The shiur develops a yesod from Koheles that experiences must remain "eis" (momentary) rather than becoming life-defining. The first mitzvah to the Jewish people - freeing Hebrew slaves - teaches this principle: learn from difficult experiences without being overwhelmed by them.
