No community start suggestion yet.
How could Moshe rule on property disputes based on where manna fell when Torah (תורה) courts require proper witnesses? The shiur distinguishes between Beit Din, bound by strict evidentiary rules, and Din Melech, which can use flexible methods for societal order. Moshe acted as king, not judge, explaining his unconventional but effective approach to justice.
This shiur addresses a fundamental question in Jewish law: how could Moshe Rabbeinu make judicial decisions based on where the manna fell, when Torah (תורה) law requires proper witnesses (eidim) for court proceedings? Rabbi Zweig examines the classic case where disputes over ownership were resolved by observing where the manna landed - if it fell by the original owner, the item belonged to him; if by the current possessor, it had been legitimately acquired. The traditional answers suggest that either this was divine revelation (ruach hakodesh) or that the manna merely confirmed halachic presumptions about moveable property (geidros ein lahem chazaka). However, Rabbi Zweig finds these explanations insufficient, particularly given the Gemara (גמרא)'s indication that the manna's location actually determined the ruling, not just confirmed it.
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!
Multiple Talmudic sources discussing judicial procedures and the manna
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!
Dedicate a Shiur in Aggadita
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.
How long must Hashem tolerate the Jewish people's rebellious behavior? A Midrash compares this to the halachic question of carrying a child holding muktze on Shabbos. The analysis reveals that rejecting Eretz Yisrael represents a deeper spiritual corruption than individual acts of avoda zara.
What did Dovid mean when he reduced the 613 mitzvos to twelve principles? The Gemara reveals that mitzvos have two dimensions: fulfilling the obligation and achieving personal completion (hashlomah). Dovid identified twelve core principles that encapsulate the essential character development aspect of all mitzvos.
Why does the Torah write 'Bereishis bara Elokim' in a way that could grammatically suggest someone created God? The ambiguity is intentional, revealing that Israel (called 'reishis') participates in making God King through accepting His sovereignty. This partnership explains why we become God's 'mother' in the Gemara's reading of Shir HaShirim - we crown Him through 'na'aseh v'nishma.'
What does the Midrash mean by calling the Jewish people 'daughters of waves' - daughters of the outstanding patriarchs? The shiur develops a yesod distinguishing 'ben' (independent choice) from 'bas' (inherited patterns), revealing two types of teshuvah. Jews should return to Hashem instinctively through inherited spiritual patterns, not just through conscious deliberation.
