No community start suggestion yet.
Why is the ben sorer u'moreh killed for what he will do rather than for what he has done? The shiur develops the principle that "einenu shome'a b'kol" (doesn't hear the voice) means total insensitivity to kedusha. Once a person loses all response to kol—the spiritual dimension of sound that precedes intellectual understanding—he has destroyed his neshama and becomes a purely physical being destined to self-destruct.
The shiur opens with several textual difficulties in the parsha of ben sorer u'moreh (the rebellious son). First, why does the Torah (תורה) describe him as "sorer u'moreh v'einenu shome'a b'kol"—rebellious and doesn't listen to our voice—when the logical progression should be reversed? One who doesn't listen first becomes rebellious afterward, not the opposite. Second, why is "zolel v'sovei" (glutton and drunkard) only introduced at the second stage when it's actually required from the first incident? Third, the Gemara (גמרא) says this case never happened and never will happen, yet the Torah dedicates a full parsha to it—why? Rashi (רש"י) explains that ben sorer u'moreh is killed "al shem sofo"—for what he will eventually do. The Torah foresees that he will eventually deplete his father's resources, seek to satisfy his appetites, and ultimately kill to get what he wants. The Rishonim ask the fundamental question: How can we kill someone for what they will do in the future? The Gemara in Rosh Hashanah states regarding Yishmael that "adam nidon ba'asher hu sham"—a person is judged based on where he is now, not his future actions. Why is ben sorer u'moreh different?
Looking for the full summary?
Full access is available to members of the TUF Alumni Association or the Yam Hagadol Foundation.
Already a member? Let the admin know!
Dedicate a Shiur in Parsha
L'ilui nishmas a loved one. In honor of a simcha or yahrzeit. As a zechus for a refuah sheleimah. Your dedication helps carry Rabbi Zweig's Torah to learners around the world.
Up Next in this Series
Why does seeing a sotah inspire one to become a nazir? The nazir's abstention creates a pre-sin state where body and soul exist in perfect harmony. This 30-day period corrects the internal contradiction that led to his original transgression.
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.
Ki Seitzei 21:18-21
Looking for the full transcript?
Full access is available to members of the TUF Alumni Association or the Yam Hagadol Foundation.
Already a member? Let the admin know!
What is the primary purpose of the cities of refuge - protecting the accidental killer or something else? The shiur argues that creating respect for law takes precedence over providing sanctuary. True deterrence comes from recognizing the gravity of murder itself, not fear of punishment.
