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Why does the Torah (תורה) use "gapo" (his wing/end) to describe an unmarried person? Rashi (רש"י) reveals that clothing extends only to one's own body when single, but in true Jewish marriage, spouses become literally one body covered by shared "clothing." This covenant model creates natural role division without competition, unlike modern partnership marriage that breeds rivalry.
Rabbi Zweig begins by sharing two contemporary stories that highlight how educated people often misunderstand fundamental differences between men and women in relationships. This leads to his exploration of a fascinating Rashi (רש"י) commentary that provides deep insights into the nature of Jewish marriage. The discussion centers on the Torah (תורה)'s law regarding Jewish slaves and their relationships with slave girls. The Torah states that if a man enters slavery unmarried ("im be-gapo yavo"), he should not cohabitate with a slave girl, but if he was already married, he may. Rabbi Zweig puzzles over why the Torah uses the word "gapo" (meaning "end" or "wing") to describe being unmarried, rather than simply using a direct term for unmarried status.
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Exodus 21:3 with Rashi commentary on slave laws and marriage
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