No community start suggestion yet.
Why does the Torah (תורה) need to promise that God's soul won't reject us - isn't that a minimal blessing? The shiur develops a yesod that intimate relationships become more dangerous as they grow closer, not safer. This explains why closeness to God through Torah and mitzvos paradoxically increases the stakes of failure, making divine rejection a real concern that requires explicit reassurance.
This shiur provides a profound analysis of the verse 'V'lo sigal nafshi eschem' ('My soul will not reject you') from Parshas Bechukosai, addressing Ramban (רמב"ן)'s questions on Rashi (רש"י)'s interpretation. The speaker explores two fundamental challenges: why this appears to be a minimal blessing, and how it relates to similar language in the tochacha (rebuke section). The central thesis presented is that intimate relationships become more dangerous as they grow closer, not safer. Using psychological and sociological examples, the speaker demonstrates how the closest relationships often produce the most violent reactions when they deteriorate - citing examples from religious conflicts, family disputes, and marriages. The Gemara (גמרא)'s principle of 'mino machar, aino mino ain machar' (similar species can invalidate each other, dissimilar ones cannot) illustrates how proximity creates greater potential for conflict.
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!
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 do people violate Shmitah laws even when financially provided for? The shiur develops the principle 'Adam l'amal yulad' - humans need meaningful work to feel fulfilled. During Shmitah, farmers must transition from physical labor to Torah study as their primary 'work,' but those who haven't cultivated this skill feel psychologically compelled to return to forbidden activities.
Why does the Midrash connect Pharaoh's expulsion of the Jews to the mitzvah of shiluach hakan? The shiur develops a chiddush that Pharaoh's sin wasn't only drowning the children, but the insensitivity of expelling the parents afterward. The deeper analysis reveals that Pharaoh may have valued the Jews greatly and wanted to control them—making his expulsion an act of tremendous cruelty, not liberation.
Why does Moshe respond to the splitting of the sea with shirah rather than praise or thanksgiving? Rashi's use of "al libo" reveals that shirah is an emotional expression—a response of love to love. When Hashem shows personal care, the only adequate response is "I love You too," not mere gratitude or praise, and this principle applies to all relationships.
Parshas Bechukosai 26:11
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!
Why does the Midrash call stopping charity after establishing a pattern 'robbing from the poor'? Extended kindness creates relationships with inherent obligations, not just transactions. When assistance suddenly stops, it robs the recipient's self-esteem by revealing the relationship was never genuine—teaching us that consistent chesed builds bonds we must honor.
