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Why did Avrohom advocate for Sodom's preservation when it was a city of cruelty? The shiur argues that Sodom's core philosophy—promoting independence over dependency—was actually healthy and necessary for society. However, their lack of compassion for those genuinely unable to help themselves corrupted this otherwise vital principle.
Rabbi Zweig addresses a fundamental question: why did Avrohom Avinu pray for the preservation of Sodom when it was clearly a place of extreme cruelty and wickedness? The Torah (תורה) describes horrific acts like stretching visitors to fit beds by cutting off limbs, and killing a girl with honey and bees for helping the poor. Yet Avrohom negotiated with God to spare the city if even ten righteous people could be found. The shiur presents a revolutionary perspective: Sodom's foundational philosophy was actually healthy and necessary. Their core principle was promoting independence and self-reliance while discouraging parasitic behavior and welfare dependency. Sodom opposed charity not out of cruelty, but to prevent people from becoming takers rather than earners. This philosophy aligns with the fundamental purpose of creation—God wants us to earn our place in the World to Come rather than receive it as a handout.
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Parshas Vayeira 18:23-32
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