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Why did the Jews at Shittim suddenly turn to Moabite women after centuries of separation? The Torah (תורה)'s language reveals an internal spiritual crisis — they felt disconnected from their physicality after 40 years of spiritual existence. The place name "Shittim" (related to shotah/disconnection) and its history as "Avel Mitzrayim" created a perfect storm for seeking physical grounding through forbidden relationships.
Rabbi Zweig presents a profound analysis of the puzzling incident at Shittim in Parshas Balak, where the Jewish people suddenly began engaging in forbidden relationships with Moabite women. The shiur begins by examining the precise language of the Torah (תורה): "Vayeishev Yisrael ba-Shittim vayachel ha-am liznos el bnos Moav" - noting that the text says they were "zoneh TO" (el) the women, not "with" them, suggesting an internal drive rather than external attraction. The core insight develops around the meaning of "Shittim," which Rabbi Zweig connects to the word "shotah" (one who is disconnected from himself). He explains that the halachic definition of a shotah is "ma-avid ma she-nos'in lo" - someone who cannot hold onto money given to him, indicating a disconnection from oneself rather than mere craziness. After forty years of eating manna, not using bathrooms, and living a purely spiritual existence, the Jewish people felt dangerously disconnected from their physical selves.
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Parshas Balak 25:1
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