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Why does Hashem (ה׳) say "please listen" when criticizing Miriam and Aharon for speaking about Moshe? The shiur develops that true criticism expresses pain rather than attacking behavior. When you tell someone "I am hurting" instead of "you did something wrong," they cannot defend themselves—they can only empathize.
Rabbi Zweig examines the story of Miriam and Aharon speaking about Moshe's separation from his wife, focusing on Hashem (ה׳)'s opening words to them: "Shimu na devarai" - "Please listen to my words." Rashi (רש"י) translates "na" as "please," which raises a fundamental question: why would the Almighty need to say "please" when criticizing them? They would certainly listen to divine rebuke. The shiur argues that "please listen" means "listen without defending yourselves." Hashem knows Miriam and Aharon have legitimate justifications - the Rambam (רמב"ם) states they didn't intend to hurt Moshe, they thought he made a mistake, and Moshe himself wasn't insulted. Yet Hashem doesn't want to hear their defenses.
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Parshas Korach
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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.
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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.
