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Why did Hashem (ה׳) give prophecy like Moshe's to the degenerate Bilaam? The shiur reveals that Bilaam embodies the gentile philosophy that God is merely a 'doctor' whose commandments exist solely for human benefit. This self-centered worldview — where 'it's all about me' — represents the root error of all idolatry and explains why every gentile is called 'Akum.'
This profound shiur tackles one of the most enigmatic personalities in the Torah (תורה) — Bilaam HaRasha — whose contradictory behavior seems to defy rational explanation. The Gemara (גמרא) in Sanhedrin teaches that Bilaam possessed prophecy on the level of Moshe Rabbeinu, with objective perception of divine truth (haslacha l'ha'amir), yet he was morally degenerate, even sleeping with his donkey. Rabbi Zweig resolves this paradox by exposing the fundamental philosophy underlying all gentile thought. The key insight begins with understanding why the generic term for gentile is 'Akum' (ovdei kochavim umazalos — star worshippers), even when applied to gentiles who don't practice idolatry. Rabbi Zweig explains that Akum represents a worldview rather than specific ritual practice. The gentile philosophy views God as a 'doctor' — someone whose commandments exist purely for human benefit, requiring nothing in return. This 'it's all about me' approach makes the individual the ultimate arbiter of right and wrong.
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Why was Miriam punished with tzaraas when her criticism of Moshe seemed justified? The shiur develops a yesod based on a Midrash that Miriam's error wasn't lashon hara in the conventional sense — she actually intended to help with a shalom bayis issue — but rather her failure to search out Moshe's unique madrega and recognize that his separation from his wife was a halachic requirement for his level of nevuah, not just a chumra. This reframes the entire mitzvah of "zachor es asher asah Hashem" as an obligation to actively seek out people's hidden ma'alos.
Parshas Balak
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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.
