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Why does Rashi (רש"י) specify that Avrohom converted the men while Sarah converted the women? The Torah (תורה) describes spiritual transformation as "making" people, not just teaching behavior. True kiruv requires developing new sensitivities and feelings, which can only come from role models of the same gender.
Rabbi Zweig analyzes Rashi (רש"י)'s commentary on Parshas Lech Lecha regarding Avrohom and Sarah's conversion efforts. The passuk states "the souls they made in Charan," and Rashi explains that Avrohom converted the men while Sarah converted the women. Rabbi Zweig raises two fundamental questions: First, why does Rashi interrupt his explanation with this gender division? Second, why would Chazal suggest separate conversion processes when it seems to contradict contemporary sensitivities? The shiur explores the deeper meaning of "asiyah" (making) in the context of conversion. Rabbi Zweig argues that true conversion is not merely teaching behavioral compliance but creating genuine transformation of a person's emotional and spiritual sensitivities. When someone develops new feelings about stealing, Shabbos (שבת), or tznius, they become essentially a new person with a transformed identity.
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Parshas Lech Lecha 12:5
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