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Why does the Torah (תורה) prescribe execution for a rebellious son's minor offenses? A child becomes Ben Sorer UMoreh only when parents give up on him, creating devastating feelings of rejection and worthlessness. Yishmael avoided this fate because Avrohom never truly rejected him despite his problems.
This shiur analyzes the perplexing Torah (תורה) law of Ben Sorer UMoreh (rebellious son), addressing fundamental questions about why the Torah prescribes capital punishment for relatively minor infractions. Rabbi Zweig notes that this thirteen-year-old is executed not for what he has done (stealing from parents, eating meat and wine) but for what he will become - ultimately a murderer who curses God. The Rishonim struggle with several difficulties: Why does he receive the severest form of execution (sekilah) when future murder would only warrant a lesser punishment? How does this reconcile with the principle that people are judged 'basher hu sham' (where he is now), as demonstrated by Yishmael's salvation in the desert despite his future wickedness?
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Parshas Ki Seitzei - Ben Sorer UMoreh
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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.
