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Why does bris milah reduce physical pleasure to address narcissism? The shiur develops that narcissistic behavior stems from emotional pain, not excessive pleasure-seeking. Bris milah represents Hashem (ה׳)'s covenant to love us unconditionally, putting us before Himself—and this divine love eliminates the underlying insecurity that drives narcissistic behavior.
This shiur presents a profound analysis of the spiritual meaning behind bris milah (circumcision) through several compelling questions. The speaker begins by challenging the Rambam (רמב"ם)'s explanation that bris milah reduces physical pleasure to combat narcissism, arguing that simply removing opportunities for gratification doesn't cure narcissistic behavior—it merely redirects it elsewhere. The fundamental question becomes: how does reducing pleasure actually address the root psychological need that drives narcissism? The discussion then examines Rashi (רש"י)'s commentary on the verse "v'es lo brisi" (I will give you My covenant), particularly the phrase "bris shel ahavah" (covenant of love). This raises the question of what distinguishes this covenant from the earlier Bris Bein HaBesarim (Covenant Between the Parts) that already promised Avrohom the land of Israel. What new element is being added through circumcision?
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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 Lech Lecha 17:2
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Why does the Rambam say birkas chasanim 'don't create nissuin' rather than calling premature blessings invalid? The shiur develops a yesod that marriage isn't acquisition but recreation - both spouses must relinquish their individual identities to be transformed into a unified new entity. This explains why even one's own arushah is forbidden until chuppah completes the transformative process.
