No community start suggestion yet.
What was the fundamental dispute between the Sadducees and Pharisees? The shiur argues that Sadducees viewed creation as a testing ground where humans earn reward, making service 'not for reward' contradictory to existence's purpose. Pharisees understood creation's true goal as establishing Divine presence and relationship, not human compensation.
This shiur presents a revolutionary understanding of creation's purpose through an analysis of the dispute between the Sadducees (Tzidukim) and Pharisees (Perushim). The Rav begins by examining why the Torah (תורה) calls Yom Tov "Shabbos (שבת)" in the context of counting the Omer, citing the Morali's explanation that Shabbos represents a "stopping point" that enables new beginnings. The central thesis emerges through a reexamination of the famous Mishna in Avos about serving Hashem (ה׳) "not for reward." The Rav argues that when Antigonus of Socho's students Tzadok and Baitos heard this teaching, they didn't simply rebel - they created a theological movement that addressed their fundamental concern. Their issue wasn't with individual observance but with the very purpose of creation itself.
Looking for the full summary?
Full access is available to members of the TUF Alumni Association or the Yam Hagadol Foundation.
Already a member? Let the admin know!
Dedicate a Shiur in Parsha
L'ilui nishmas a loved one. In honor of a simcha or yahrzeit. As a zechus for a refuah sheleimah. Your dedication helps carry Rabbi Zweig's Torah to learners around the world.
Up Next in this Series
Why does the Midrash connect Pharaoh's expulsion of the Jews to the mitzvah of shiluach hakan? The shiur develops a chiddush that Pharaoh's sin wasn't only drowning the children, but the insensitivity of expelling the parents afterward. The deeper analysis reveals that Pharaoh may have valued the Jews greatly and wanted to control them—making his expulsion an act of tremendous cruelty, not liberation.
Why does Moshe respond to the splitting of the sea with shirah rather than praise or thanksgiving? Rashi's use of "al libo" reveals that shirah is an emotional expression—a response of love to love. When Hashem shows personal care, the only adequate response is "I love You too," not mere gratitude or praise, and this principle applies to all relationships.
Parshas Emor
Looking for the full transcript?
Full access is available to members of the TUF Alumni Association or the Yam Hagadol Foundation.
Already a member? Let the admin know!
