No community start suggestion yet.
Why does the Torah (תורה) command "do not hide your eyes" from a lost object, rather than simply "return it"? Rashi (רש"י)'s reading reveals a profound insight: a Jew cannot comfortably see someone's loss without helping. The only way a Jew can withhold chesed (חסד) is by pretending not to see the need — a defining trait of Jewish nature.
The shiur analyzes the pasuk in Ki Seitzei commanding the return of lost objects, contrasting two readings of the phrase "lo sireh" (you shall not see). The Targum understands it as "do not withhold" — if you see a lost object, don't refrain from returning it. Rashi (רש"י), however, reads the pasuk literally: "do not hide your eyes" — don't pretend you didn't see it. Rabbi Zweig asks a fundamental question: Why would the Torah (תורה) phrase the command in this seemingly awkward way? If the obligation is to return lost objects, why not simply state "do not withhold it" as the Targum does? What does "don't not see it" add to our understanding?
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 Rashi give conflicting descriptions of Israel's leaders in Egypt? The shiur explores how two different leadership styles emerged: those who pushed people to work harder while taking beatings, versus those who simply absorbed punishment to spare their people. The Torah prioritizes the first type - leaders who accomplish things even when unpopular.
Why does the Torah repeat that Rivka came from a family of manipulators and wicked people? The shiur argues that this is not "despite" her background but rather her yichus—she inherited their extraordinary sensitivity to others' needs but channeled it toward chesed rather than manipulation. True kindness requires understanding what the recipient actually needs, not just what the giver wants to give.
Why did Avrohom ask for visible signs of old age when people were already growing old? The shiur develops the principle that Avrohom requested that aging reflect not just physical decline but accumulated wisdom and compassion. This dignity of age is the foundation for transmitting values across generations—and its absence explains both the sin of the spies and the breakdown of contemporary families.
Ki Seitzei 22:1
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!
Why didn't Noach daven for his generation while Avrohom advocated for Sedom? Noach viewed each person as an independent island responsible only for their own teshuvah. Avrohom understood that all humanity is interconnected through shared perspective and values, making prayer for others both possible and necessary.
