No community start suggestion yet.
What does "go forth in the footsteps of the flock" mean when facing crisis? The shiur develops a dual yesod: later generations survive by following earlier ones' example, while earlier generations need later ones for ultimate fulfillment. This interdependence creates unshakeable resilience, as shown by Nakdimon ben Gurion's daughter who endured extreme poverty because ancestral merit maintained her connection to Hashem (ה׳)'s love.
This shiur provides an in-depth analysis of the famous pasuk from Shir HaShirim 1:7-8: "Tell me, you whom my soul loves, where do you pasture..." and the response "If you do not know... go forth in the footsteps of the flock." Rabbi Zweig begins by examining Rashi (רש"י)'s interpretation that "following in the footsteps of the flock" means continuing in the ways of our forefathers, as demonstrated during Yetzias Mitzrayim when the Jewish people "grasped the craft of their forefathers" by turning to prayer in times of distress, just as Avrohom, Yitzchok, and Yaakov had established the three daily prayers. However, Rabbi Zweig presents a fascinating dual interpretation based on various Midrashim. While one understanding shows that later generations must follow the example of earlier ones, there's also an opposite concept - that earlier generations depend on later ones for their ultimate fulfillment. This is illustrated through Moshe Rabbeinu dealing with Yosef's bones, where Yosef's departure from Egypt depended on the entire nation's willingness to leave. The concept extends to the idea that even techias hameisim (resurrection of the dead) for the righteous depends on the merit of the generation of Mashiach.
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 Navi
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
What does the opening of Shir HaShirim mean by requesting divine 'kisses of His mouth'? Rashi's distinction between types of kisses reveals that mouth-to-mouth contact represents the deepest soul connection through divine breath. This explains why Israel requested direct divine communication at Sinai rather than receiving Torah only through Moshe.
Why did Hashem insist on giving us Eretz Yisrael rather than creating a new land for us? The shiur explores a Midrash that claims Hashem wanted to show His power by defeating our enemies. This creates an ongoing divine commitment to protect us in a hostile environment where the nations perceive us as thieves of their land.
Why did Shlomo HaMelech combine intellect, physical pleasure, and chukim after each approach individually failed? The shiur develops that humans must acknowledge both their physical nature and spiritual capacity simultaneously. Chukim (called "foolishness" here) teach us to act for internal meaning rather than external approval.
Shir HaShirim 1:7-8
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!
How could the Jewish people blame the erev rav for the golden calf when each person is responsible for their own choices? The erev rav's decision to join the exodus gave wavering Jews validation that leaving Egypt wasn't foolish, creating psychological influence that Pharaoh deliberately exploited. This dynamic explains why whoever gives someone confidence gains power over them.
