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Why do we dread Elul instead of celebrating it? The shiur challenges the fundamental misconception that mitzvos are the 'price we pay' for enjoying the world. True fulfillment comes from understanding that Torah (תורה) and mitzvos ARE the ultimate pleasure — the world exists to serve that relationship, not vice versa.
Rabbi Zweig delivers a transformative message for Elul, challenging our fundamental attitude toward mitzvos and divine judgment. He begins with an apparent textual difficulty in Parshas Shoftim: why are the laws requiring judges in every city placed immediately after the laws of Sukkos (סוכות), with no clear separation in the Torah (תורה) scroll? This seems incongruous, and the requirement itself appears excessive — every small Jewish community needs 69 people (23 judges plus two levels of students) to handle capital cases that historically occurred perhaps once in 70 years. The key insight emerges through a Midrash comparing us to ants, who instinctively avoid taking food that belongs to another ant. The message is profound: these elaborate judicial systems aren't meant primarily for enforcement, but as role models. When we surround ourselves with Torah scholars who genuinely enjoy living as Jews, we internalize that mitzvos aren't burdens but privileges.
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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 Shoftim - Devarim 16:18
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