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Why does the Torah (תורה) interrupt between Hashem (ה׳)'s command to wage war against Midian and its execution with the laws of nedarim? The shiur develops the principle that human speech contains a divine spark, enabling people to literally speak as Hashem's representatives when making vows. Only after understanding this elevated capacity for divine representation can Bnei Yisrael wage war as God's agents rather than mere individuals.
Rabbi Zweig addresses a fundamental question about the structure of Parshas Matos: why does the Torah (תורה) interrupt the narrative between Hashem (ה׳)'s command to wage war against Midian (in Parshas Pinchas) and its actual execution with the laws of nedarim, counting of Bnei Yisrael, and korbanos? He argues that this placement is deliberate and profound. The core thesis centers on the unique nature of human speech as established in Bereishis, where man becomes "nefesh chaya" through Hashem's breath. Unlike animals who speak from their physical reality, humans possess a "chelek Elokai mima'al" - a divine spark that enables them to speak as representatives of Hashem. When making nedarim or shevuos, a person channels this divine essence, literally speaking on behalf of the Almighty.
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Parshas Matos, Bamidbar 30:1-32:42
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