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What does bris really mean, and why do we 'cut' a covenant? The concept represents merger rather than partnership - two incomplete entities becoming one whole. Only by recognizing our incompleteness can we achieve true unity with Hashem (ה׳) or in marriage.
Rabbi Zweig begins by challenging the common translation of bris as a 'covenantal relationship,' arguing instead that a bris represents a merger where two entities become one. He distinguishes this from a partnership, noting that in a true merger, both parties must have equal place and participation to prevent it from becoming a takeover. This principle applies both to our relationship with Hashem (ה׳) and to human relationships like marriage. The rabbi addresses an apparent linguistic contradiction: if bris means joining together, why is the verb 'kores habris' (cutting a covenant) used? He resolves this by explaining that 'kores' refers to cutting or diminishing oneself. The key insight is that only incomplete entities can truly merge, while complete entities can only form partnerships.
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