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Why does Yaakov say "if God will do these things" when God already promised him protection? Yaakov releases God from His obligation because he wants gifts given out of love, not duty. A recipient in any relationship—with God, spouse, or child—feels valued only when giving stems from genuine care, not mere commitment. The shiur explores why formalized commitments still matter: they obligate us to cultivate the feelings, not replace them.
Rabbi Zweig addresses a fundamental question raised by Rashi (רש"י) and expanded by the Rambam (רמב"ם): In Parshas Vayeitzei, God promises Yaakov protection and a safe return to his father's house, yet in next week's parsha, Yaakov fears Esau's four hundred men. Furthermore, Yaakov says "if God will be with me... then I will give a tenth"—why the conditional language when God has already promised? The Rambam explains this through the principle that any good promise God makes must come true even if conditional, and offers a technical distinction between public prophecy and private revelation. Nachmanides suggests Yaakov feared losing merit through sin. Rabbi Zweig presents Rashi's approach with a profound psychological insight: Yaakov is not questioning God's promise but rather releasing God from obligation. Just as a recipient of any gift or support can forgive a debt, Yaakov tells God, "I don't want what You give me because You promised my forefathers or because You are bound by Your word. I only want it if You truly care about me and feel I deserve it now." This is the heart of every healthy relationship—we don't want things given out of obligation, but out of love.
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Bereishis 28:20-22 (Parshas Vayeitzei)
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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.
