No community start suggestion yet.
What does it mean that Hashem (ה׳) is "Ileim" (mute) in the face of evil? Rabbi Zweig distinguishes between silence (choosing not to respond) and muteness (allowing the evildoer to feel victorious). The Chanukah (חנוכה) story embodies "Mi kamocha ba'Eilim Hashem"—Hashem permits the wicked to succeed before ultimately defeating them, granting human free will its fullest reality.
Rabbi Zweig opens with a textual question on the phrase "Mi kamocha ba'Eilim Hashem (ה׳)," which Rashi (רש"י) interprets as "strength" and the Gemara (גמרא) connects to "those who are silent." The Gemara in Gittin teaches that one who hears his shame and remains silent is "powerful like the sun at high noon." Yet the word "Eilim" also means mute—an Ileim is someone who cannot speak. What is the strength in being mute, unable to respond, compared to choosing silence when one could respond? Rashi illustrates this with the account from Gittin of Titus HaRasha entering the Kodesh HaKodashim, spreading a Torah (תורה) scroll, committing an immoral act, and then stabbing the paroches with his sword—from which blood miraculously emerged. He then cursed Hashem. The miracle of blood flowing from the curtain was Hashem's doing. Rabbi Zweig explains that when someone doesn't respond, it can mean one of two things: either "you can't touch me" (superiority) or "you beat me into submission" (fear or weakness). The ambiguity leaves open whether silence comes from strength or defeat.
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!
Beshalach (Shemos 15:11 - Mi Kamocha ba'Eilim Hashem)
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!
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 did Potiphar's wife pursue Yosef, and what does Rashi mean when he calls her actions "leshem shamayim"? The shiur argues she correctly saw in astrology that she and Yosef would have a child—an unchangeable decree for most people. But as a descendant of Avrohom, whom Hashem lifted above the stars, Yosef possessed the unique power to bend astrological fate, transforming the prediction into fulfillment through her daughter (Osnas) instead.
Why did Hashem cure all the sick, blind, deaf, and lame before Matan Torah? The Rambam teaches that miracles require purpose. This shiur argues that the mass healing demonstrated that Torah is not meant for the downtrodden seeking comfort, but for healthy people who can fully channel their energies toward mitzvos and serve as proper examples to their communities.
Why does the Aramaic word for "accept" (Kabbalah) also mean "complain"? The shiur develops a profound insight: genuine acceptance only emerges from overcoming resistance. Without internal challenge, an idea merely passes through us—true commitment is born only when we wrestle with, resist, and ultimately decide to embrace a principle.
Why did the brothers hate Yosef when he received the kutonet pasim, yet strangers saw him as special? The kutonet represented Yaakov's recognition of Yosef's leadership ability—his power to uplift and unify. The brothers' jealousy blinded them; the Torah omits his name when they see him (just "oto"), but strangers always saw "Yosef." True chein comes from seeing others clearly, without the bias of our own needs.
Why did the materials for the Mishkan equal exactly what was needed with no waste, despite the principle that blessing doesn't rest on counted items? The shiur explains that Moshe's complete faithfulness—working solely for Hashem's agenda—transformed counting from an act of personal ownership into one that strengthened divine connection, thereby increasing blessings. Korach's self-interest inverted this principle, costing him everything.
Why does Rashi describe the Mishkan as "collateral" for Jewish sins? Rabbi Zweig develops the concept that God limited His own collection rights—accepting only the Mishkan's destruction rather than the nation's annihilation. This reflects the relationship of a father who reduces his own claims to ensure his children's survival.
Why does the Torah give a detailed accounting of silver and copper but not gold in Parshas Pekudei? The three metals represent three types of givers: those who give selflessly (gold), those seeking a two-way benefit (silver), and those buying honor (copper). The Midrash's three groups suspecting or praising Moshe reveal more about themselves than about Moshe—we judge others by our own standards.
