A free account is required to play audio and download files.
No community start suggestion yet.
Why does Rashi (רש"י) say Yaakov gave all his Torah (תורה) to Yosef, while the Rambam (רמב"ם) states he designated Levi to head the yeshiva? The shiur resolves the contradiction by distinguishing two bodies of learning: Toras Shem v'Eiver (the Sheva Mitzvos) taught to Yosef, who would lead internationally, and Toras Yitzchok (the 613 mitzvos) entrusted to Levi as rosh yeshiva.
The shiur begins with the pasuk in Parshas Vayeishev stating that Yisrael loved Yosef more than all his sons "ki ben zekunim hu lo," which Rashi (רש"י) explains through Onkelos to mean "bar chakim" — the son of wisdom. Rashi says that all the Torah (תורה) Yaakov learned from Shem and Eiver, he transmitted to Yosef. This created a special intellectual bond between father and son, a relationship grounded in shared chochmah and insights. Rabbi Zweig then presents a seeming contradiction from the Rambam (רמב"ם) in Hilchos Avodah Zarah (1:3). The Rambam describes how Yitzchok taught Yaakov, who in turn taught all his sons, but specifically separated out Levi, appointed him as head, and seated him in the yeshiva to teach the way of Hashem (ה׳) and to guard the mitzvos of Avrohom. The Rambam further states that Yaakov commanded his children that the position of leadership in Torah should remain with the tribe of Levi for all generations, so that Torah would not be forgotten. This appears to directly contradict Rashi, which identifies Yosef as the primary recipient of Yaakov's Torah transmission.
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 Vayeishev 37:3, Rashi; Rambam Hilchos Avodah Zarah 1:3
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.