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How can Rosh Hashanah be both fearsome and joyful? The shiur develops a chiddush distinguishing between "earning" and "justifying" our existence - we cannot earn life, but we can justify God's gift by fulfilling His purpose in creating us. This justification (mishpat) brings the measured joy appropriate to Rosh Hashanah.
Rabbi Zweig begins by addressing a fundamental contradiction in the Rambam (רמב"ם)'s description of Rosh Hashanah: it is described as a time of fear and awe (yirah and pachad), yet not entirely devoid of simcha (joy). The Rambam states that while we don't say Hallel on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur because they are not times of "overabundant joy" (simcha yeseira), they are still times that require some measure of happiness. Through a detailed analysis of a Midrash Tanchuma about a king collecting taxes, Rabbi Zweig explains the progression from Erev Rosh Hashanah through Sukkos (סוכות). The Midrash describes how a king's approach to collect debts results in progressive forgiveness as different groups come to greet him. This corresponds to the spiritual journey: Erev Rosh Hashanah (when great people fast), the ten days of repentance, Yom Kippur (when all Israel fasts), and finally Sukkos (when we take the lulav and celebrate).
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Why doesn't Chanukah appear in the Mishna? The shiur develops a fundamental yesod: Chanukah represents the victory of Gemara—the human ability to use godly intellect (ner Hashem nishmas adam) to develop Torah SheBaal Peh. The Menorah symbolizes the soul's illumination through this koach, while the Mizbeach represents the body's recreation—together forming the complete tikkun of man.
Why does Megillas Esther interrupt Torah study for a message the world deemed ridiculous—that every man should rule his home? The shiur develops the yesod that the moon's willingness to "make itself small" doesn't diminish it but creates unified sovereignty. A woman who enables her husband to lead isn't relegated to second class—she is the king-maker, comfortable creating oneness where a man cannot.
Rambam Hilchos Chanukah (laws of Hallel), Mishlei, Midrash Tanchuma
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