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Why does the Torah (תורה) emphasize "besides the first famine" when describing the famine in Yitzchok's time? The shiur develops a fundamental yesod: famine is not merely a test but a message from the land itself. Unlike other nations that own their land, the Jewish people have a relationship with Eretz Yisrael—modeled on marriage (learned from kinyan karka). Leaving during famine demonstrates recognition that we don't own the land; we must keep it "happy" through mitzvos.
The shiur opens with a close textual analysis of Bereishis 26:1, which states there was a famine "besides the first famine which was in the days of Avrohom." Rabbi Zweig asks why the Torah (תורה) needs to mention the "first famine" at all—clearly this is a new famine a century later. The word "rishon" (first) suggests the famine in Avrohom's time was the very first famine ever in Eretz Yisrael. But what is the significance of that fact, and why does the pasuk link the two famines? The shiur then explores why famine should cause Avrohom or Yitzchok to leave at all. If Hashem (ה׳) wanted them to leave, He could simply command them directly, as He commanded Avrohom "Lech Lecha." Why create a famine as the vehicle? Moreover, Avrohom was wealthy—a famine wouldn't necessarily force him to leave. The poor might starve, but a rich man could buy food. Yet Avrohom understood the famine as a personal message to leave. This suggests the famine wasn't merely a practical problem but a communication from the land itself.
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Bereishis 26:1 (Parshas Toldos)
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