No community start suggestion yet.
Why does the Midrash open Parshas Noach with seemingly unrelated themes like women's mitzvos and Torah (תורה) She'be'al Peh? The shiur distinguishes between two flood decrees - one against wicked people and another against creation itself. Noach's mission was not mere survival but restoring cosmic order so Hashem (ה׳) could rebuild a world capable of receiving its originally intended Divine goodness.
The shiur begins by analyzing three puzzling Midrashim from Tanchuma that open Parshas Noach: the three sins for which women may die in childbirth (nidah, challah, hadlakas haner), the concept that Torah (תורה) and good deeds are better than children, and an extensive discussion of Torah She'be'al Peh. The Rabbi questions why these themes appear specifically in Parshas Noach rather than in their seemingly more appropriate contexts. The central thesis emerges through distinguishing between two different flood decrees. In Parshas Bereishis, Hashem (ה׳) decreed punishment against wicked people while preserving the righteous - this would not thwart God's original purpose in creation since the tzadikim could receive the reward intended for many. However, in Parshas Noach, we encounter a fundamentally different scenario: a decree against the Earth itself ("hinei nishchasa ha'aretz"). This represents a reversal of creation itself, where even the cosmic order and constellations cease functioning normally.
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 Aggadita
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.
How long must Hashem tolerate the Jewish people's rebellious behavior? A Midrash compares this to the halachic question of carrying a child holding muktze on Shabbos. The analysis reveals that rejecting Eretz Yisrael represents a deeper spiritual corruption than individual acts of avoda zara.
Parshas Noach
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 did Dovid mean when he reduced the 613 mitzvos to twelve principles? The Gemara reveals that mitzvos have two dimensions: fulfilling the obligation and achieving personal completion (hashlomah). Dovid identified twelve core principles that encapsulate the essential character development aspect of all mitzvos.
