No community start suggestion yet.
What changed fundamentally in man between Bereishis and Noach that warranted a flood? Pre-flood man had a tzurath Adam—his body projected godliness and values. Post-flood man is called basar (flesh)—he retains tzelem Elokim but projects only lust and drives. The covenant guarantees this minimal tzurah will never be lost, and bris milah begins the tikun of restoring kedusha to human flesh.
This shiur explores the fundamental transformation of human nature between Parshas Bereishis and Parshas Noach, explaining why the generation of the flood merited such devastating punishment and what changed in man's essential nature afterward. Rabbi Zweig develops a comprehensive framework distinguishing between a person's chomer (matter) and tzurah (form), and between tzelem Elokim and d'mus Elokim. The shiur opens with a Mishna in Bava Metzia stating that one who reneges on a sale after money has been paid (though legally entitled to do so) is subject to "Mi she'para," the curse invoking the One who punished the Generation of the Flood. This seems disproportionate—breaking one's word is not comparable to the terrible sins of the flood generation. The answer, Rabbi Zweig explains, is that both involve the same fundamental problem: the loss of tzurath Adam. When a person doesn't keep his word, he ceases to be a person in the full sense—he has lost an essential defining characteristic of humanity.
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 seeing a sotah inspire one to become a nazir? The nazir's abstention creates a pre-sin state where body and soul exist in perfect harmony. This 30-day period corrects the internal contradiction that led to his original transgression.
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 Noach
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!
What is the primary purpose of the cities of refuge - protecting the accidental killer or something else? The shiur argues that creating respect for law takes precedence over providing sanctuary. True deterrence comes from recognizing the gravity of murder itself, not fear of punishment.
