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Why does the Gemara (גמרא) describe mothers as "mefata" (seducing) children into honoring parents? The shiur develops the yesod of serving God "b'chol l'vavcha" - with both yetzers. After establishing commitment through "na'aseh," mothers help children discover genuine benefits in mitzvos through "nishma," transforming obligation into enthusiastic observance.
This profound shiur examines two fascinating questions from Parshas Acharei Mos and Kedoshim that reveal fundamental principles of Jewish education and spiritual service. First, Rav Zweig analyzes why the Gemara (גמרא) describes mothers as "mefata" (talking children into things) when explaining parental honor obligations, using language typically associated with seduction. Second, he questions why Rashi (רש"י) compares God to a doctor rather than a king when explaining the introduction to Yom Kippur service. The core insight centers on the concept of serving God "b'chol l'vavcha" - with both hearts, meaning both the yetzer tov and yetzer hara. Rav Zweig explains that the original sin created a fundamental selfishness in human nature, where people resist being controlled and want to act based on personal desire. For 2,000 years, this created tension between divine command and human will.
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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 Acharei Mos and Kedoshim
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Why does the Torah use gentle language when instructing kohanim to keep their children from ritual impurity? The eagle metaphor reveals that gentle awakening demonstrates genuine concern for the child's benefit rather than parental convenience. When asking children to exceed community standards, only child-centered motivation creates willing compliance rather than resentment.
