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Why does Rashi (רש"י) read "what is four hundred pieces of silver between me and you" as referring to love between Avrohom and Ephron, not simply wealth? The shiur develops the Rambam (רמב"ם)'s understanding that Lo Sachmod forbids even pressuring someone to sell through money or community influence. Avrohom insisted on buying only from someone willing to give it as a gift, ensuring no coercion—teaching us not to take from others unless motivated by genuine love or chesed (חסד), not manipulation.
Rabbi Zweig examines a fundamental Rashi (רש"י) on the sale of the Maarat HaMachpelah in Parshas Chayei Sarah. When Ephron tells Avrohom "what is four hundred pieces of silver between me and you," the simple reading suggests two wealthy men for whom the price is insignificant. But Rashi reads it as "between two people who love each other"—a puzzling interpretation for what appears to be a straightforward business transaction. The shiur raises three textual difficulties: First, why does Rashi interpret this as a statement about love rather than wealth? Second, why does Avrohom repeatedly ask that the cave be "given" (נתן) to him before mentioning payment—saying "give me a burial place," then "let him give me the Maarat HaMachpelah," and only afterward "I will pay full price"? Third, why does the Midrash note that Bnei Ches is mentioned ten times in connection with this sale, declaring that helping clarify a tzaddik's purchase is equivalent to fulfilling the entire Aseres HaDibros?
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Bereishis 23 (Parshas Chayei Sarah)
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How could Avrohom keep the entire Torah before it was given, including rabbinical laws? The key insight is that mitzvos represent eternal spiritual realities, not just historical commemorations, so Avrohom could access these truths through his genuine search. His entire 172-year journey—even his early idolatry—retroactively became service of God once he reached ultimate truth.
