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What does it mean to be truly free? The Talmud (תלמוד)'s connection between engraving (charus) and freedom (cherut) reveals that genuine freedom comes from having definition and form. A person becomes free not through unlimited license but through the unity of speech, intention, and action that Torah (תורה) provides.
This shiur explores the profound connection between freedom, speech, and human dignity through the famous teaching in Avos that links the engraved tablets (charus) to freedom (cherut). Rabbi Zweig addresses the fundamental question of why the Talmud (תלמוד) derives the concept of freedom from the fact that the Ten Commandments were engraved on the tablets, when these seem to be unrelated concepts. The shiur begins by examining Parshas Balak, questioning why Balak feared the Jewish people after they had already passed by Moab without attacking. The answer reveals that Balak feared not destruction but enslavement - he was afraid the Jews would return to occupy their land. When Moab consulted with Midian about how to counter Moshe' power, they learned that his strength lay in his ability to speak and assert himself, even in dialogue with God - a power demonstrated during Moshe' time in Midian at the burning bush.
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Parshas Chukas-Balak, Avos 6:2
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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.
