Freedom Through Torah: The Power of Speech and Self-Definition

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.