No community start suggestion yet.
Why do people speak lashon hara if it brings no pleasure? The shiur builds on the Gemara (גמרא) in Erchin's snake analogy to show that lashon hara alleviates spiritual pain from the gap between our potential and achievement. The healthy solution is channeling our need to affect others into positive action rather than destructive speech.
This shiur analyzes Kohelet 10:11's comparison between a snake that bites without pleasure and people who speak lashon hara. The Gemara (גמרא) in Erchin asks why snakes bite if they gain no pleasure from it, to which the snake responds by questioning why humans speak lashon hara when they also gain no pleasure. Rabbi Zweig explores this paradox: if there's no pleasure in lashon hara, why does virtually everyone have this inclination? The key insight is that lashon hara is not driven by pleasure but by the need to alleviate pain. The shiur examines Haman's famous statement that despite his wealth, power, and status, everything means nothing to him when he sees Mordechai not bowing down. Rather than viewing this as the ravings of a madman, Rabbi Zweig explains that Haman represents someone in tremendous emotional pain. Just as a person suffering physical pain in a hospital would find no comfort in being reminded of their wealth or accomplishments, Haman's spiritual and emotional pain renders all his worldly success meaningless.
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 Navi
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 Koheles describe foolish speech as progressing from self-destruction to hurting others? Rashi's distinction between giving advice versus persuading reveals that wise communication empowers others to make independent decisions, while foolish communication seeks control through manipulation. This yesod transforms how we approach parenting and marriage.
Why did Hashem insist on giving us Eretz Yisrael rather than creating a new land for us? The shiur explores a Midrash that claims Hashem wanted to show His power by defeating our enemies. This creates an ongoing divine commitment to protect us in a hostile environment where the nations perceive us as thieves of their land.
Why did Shlomo HaMelech combine intellect, physical pleasure, and chukim after each approach individually failed? The shiur develops that humans must acknowledge both their physical nature and spiritual capacity simultaneously. Chukim (called "foolishness" here) teach us to act for internal meaning rather than external approval.
Kohelet 10:11
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 do people procrastinate when it logically creates more anxiety and worse results? Using Bilam's story and Hillel's teaching in Avos, the shiur argues that procrastination stems from internal conflict - we delay tasks until external pressure forces action. The solution is developing genuine internal motivation rather than relying on external rewards.
