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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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Parshas Acharei Mos and Kedoshim
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