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How could the Torah (תורה) say Yaakov 'hated' Leah when our Avos had outstanding character? The shiur explains that forced intimacy creates unique resentment - Yaakov resented being thrust into marriage without consent, not Leah herself. Hashem (ה׳)'s solution was making Leah an exceptional mother, giving Yaakov reason to commit based on the Torah's priority of children over companionship in marriage.
Rabbi Zweig addresses a troubling question from Parshas Vayeitzei: how could the Torah (תורה) say that Yaakov 'hated' Leah when our Avos were people of outstanding character? The answer reveals deep insights about human relationships and marriage. The Rabbi explains that hatred in relationships often stems not from initial poor judgment, but from the dynamics of deepening intimacy. When relationships progress from casual to intense - whether from neighbor to business partner, or friend to spouse - there are more points of contact and potential friction. The greater emotional investment makes each hurt cut deeper, leading to intense anger when things go wrong.
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Parshas Vayeitzei, Bereishis 29:31-33
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