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Why does the Torah (תורה) permit marrying Moabite women but forbid Moabite men, using the reason that "their way is not to go out"? The shiur develops a yesod that tznius (modesty) means making oneself unobtrusive and unimportant rather than the center of attention—exemplified by Rochel giving the simanim to Leah. This quality is the foundation of malchus (kingship), explains why Dovid descended from Ruth, and connects to the mitzvah (מצוה) of giving kavod.
Rabbi Zweig analyzes the prohibition against marrying Ammonites and Moabites found in Parshas Ki Seitzei. The Torah (תורה) forbids marrying men from these nations because they did not provide food or water to the Jewish people in the desert, yet permits marrying their women because "ein darkah l'tzeis" (it is not their way to go out). The Gemara (גמרא) in Yevamos explains that since women do not customarily go out to provide for travelers, their failure to do so was not a shortcoming. The Ramban (רמב"ן) is troubled by the fact that Moab actually did provide some assistance to the Jewish people, as evidenced by Moshe's statement to Sichon that "the people of Seir and Moab already did for me." The Ramban therefore distinguishes between Ammon (prohibited because they did not provide food) and Moab (prohibited because they hired Bilaam). However, Rashi (רש"י) and the simple reading suggest both nations are forbidden for the same reason—failure to provide food.
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Devarim 23:4-6
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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.
