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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.
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Parshas Bechukosai 26:11
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