A free account is required to play audio and download files.
No community start suggestion yet.
Why do we rip our clothes when witnessing a Jew die? Rashi (רש"י) compares it to watching a sefer Torah (תורה) burn because every Jew embodies Torah—not as something learned externally, but as their essential identity. The pasuk "ki karov eilecha hadavar b'ficha u'vilvavcha la'asos" means Torah is embedded in our genetic code; doing mitzvos flows naturally from who we truly are.
The shiur opens with a question on Rashi (רש"י)'s commentary on the pasuk "ki karov eilecha hadavar b'ficha u'vilvavcha la'asos" (the matter is very close to you, in your mouth and heart to do). Rashi states that Torah (תורה) is close to your heart and mouth, but the connection to "la'asos" (to do) requires explanation. Rabbi Zweig rejects the Meir Simcha's suggestion that "la'asos" refers to learning and instead offers a fundamental reinterpretation. The key to understanding this pasuk lies in a Gemara (גמרא) that discusses the halacha (הלכה) of keriah (ripping one's clothing). The Gemara teaches that if you are present when an adam kasher (an ordinary righteous Jew) dies, you must perform keriah, just as you would if you witnessed a sefer Torah being burned. Rashi explains this halacha because every Jew contains Torah and mitzvos within them.
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!
Parshas Nitzavim 30:14
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!
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 did Potiphar's wife pursue Yosef, and what does Rashi mean when he calls her actions "leshem shamayim"? The shiur argues she correctly saw in astrology that she and Yosef would have a child—an unchangeable decree for most people. But as a descendant of Avrohom, whom Hashem lifted above the stars, Yosef possessed the unique power to bend astrological fate, transforming the prediction into fulfillment through her daughter (Osnas) instead.
Why did Hashem cure all the sick, blind, deaf, and lame before Matan Torah? The Rambam teaches that miracles require purpose. This shiur argues that the mass healing demonstrated that Torah is not meant for the downtrodden seeking comfort, but for healthy people who can fully channel their energies toward mitzvos and serve as proper examples to their communities.
Why does the Aramaic word for "accept" (Kabbalah) also mean "complain"? The shiur develops a profound insight: genuine acceptance only emerges from overcoming resistance. Without internal challenge, an idea merely passes through us—true commitment is born only when we wrestle with, resist, and ultimately decide to embrace a principle.
Why did the brothers hate Yosef when he received the kutonet pasim, yet strangers saw him as special? The kutonet represented Yaakov's recognition of Yosef's leadership ability—his power to uplift and unify. The brothers' jealousy blinded them; the Torah omits his name when they see him (just "oto"), but strangers always saw "Yosef." True chein comes from seeing others clearly, without the bias of our own needs.
Why did the materials for the Mishkan equal exactly what was needed with no waste, despite the principle that blessing doesn't rest on counted items? The shiur explains that Moshe's complete faithfulness—working solely for Hashem's agenda—transformed counting from an act of personal ownership into one that strengthened divine connection, thereby increasing blessings. Korach's self-interest inverted this principle, costing him everything.
Why does Rashi describe the Mishkan as "collateral" for Jewish sins? Rabbi Zweig develops the concept that God limited His own collection rights—accepting only the Mishkan's destruction rather than the nation's annihilation. This reflects the relationship of a father who reduces his own claims to ensure his children's survival.
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.
