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Why did Hashem (ה׳) force the Torah (תורה) on Klal Yisrael at Sinai when they had already said Naaseh V'Nishma? The Maharal's yesod distinguishes between voluntary acceptance and true understanding: since Torah is essential to existence itself, proper acceptance cannot be based on choice but on recognizing that life without Torah is impossible. The events of Purim (פורים) finally achieved this deeper recognition through hester panim.
This shiur explores the fundamental question of why Hashem (ה׳) had to force the Torah (תורה) upon Klal Yisrael (kafah aleihem es hahar k'gigis) even though they had already willingly accepted it by saying Naaseh V'Nishma. The Maharal's approach is analyzed, which distinguishes between different types of acceptance. According to the Maharal, Torah acceptance cannot be based on free choice (b'ratzon) because Torah itself is essential to existence (muchrah l'metziyus) - the world cannot exist without Torah. If acceptance were voluntary, it would imply that Torah's presence in the world depends on human choice, which contradicts Torah's essential nature. The shiur examines the Gemara (גמרא)'s statement that there was a 'great excuse' (moda'a rabbah l'Oraisa) for all future generations who didn't keep Torah properly, since it was forced upon them rather than freely accepted. This excuse remained until the days of Achashverosh (Purim (פורים)), when they finally accepted Torah out of love (meiahavah shechabvuha).
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Parshas Mishpatim - Naaseh V'Nishma
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