No community start suggestion yet.
What does the Torah (תורה) mean when it promises rewards 'at the end' (akeiv) for following mitzvos? The shiur develops that akeiv refers not to temporal reward but to the ultimate result of properly observing social justice laws. When we perfect interpersonal relationships through mishpatim, we bring the entire world to its state of completion and perfection.
The shiur opens with a textual question on the opening verse of Parshas Eikev: 'V'hayah eikev ki tishma'un' - traditionally translated as 'And it shall be, because you listen.' Rabbi Zweig follows the Ibn Ezra and Ba'al HaTurim who translate 'eikev' as 'at the end' rather than 'because,' since eikev literally means heel - the end of the body. This creates a puzzle: why does the Torah (תורה) emphasize that rewards come 'at the end'? We know rewards don't typically come in this world, and we're not supposed to perform mitzvos for reward anyway. To resolve this, Rabbi Zweig draws on a foundational teaching from Pirkei Avos where Rabbi asks: 'What is the proper path a person should choose?' The answer: 'That which brings honor to the one who does it and honor from other people.' The Ramchal in Mesilat Yesharim interprets this as teaching that mitzvos serve two purposes: self-perfection and tikkun olam hamedinos (creating international brotherhood).
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 does Rashi give conflicting descriptions of Israel's leaders in Egypt? The shiur explores how two different leadership styles emerged: those who pushed people to work harder while taking beatings, versus those who simply absorbed punishment to spare their people. The Torah prioritizes the first type - leaders who accomplish things even when unpopular.
Why does the Torah repeat that Rivka came from a family of manipulators and wicked people? The shiur argues that this is not "despite" her background but rather her yichus—she inherited their extraordinary sensitivity to others' needs but channeled it toward chesed rather than manipulation. True kindness requires understanding what the recipient actually needs, not just what the giver wants to give.
Why did Avrohom ask for visible signs of old age when people were already growing old? The shiur develops the principle that Avrohom requested that aging reflect not just physical decline but accumulated wisdom and compassion. This dignity of age is the foundation for transmitting values across generations—and its absence explains both the sin of the spies and the breakdown of contemporary families.
Parshas Eikev 7:12
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 didn't Noach daven for his generation while Avrohom advocated for Sedom? Noach viewed each person as an independent island responsible only for their own teshuvah. Avrohom understood that all humanity is interconnected through shared perspective and values, making prayer for others both possible and necessary.
