Rabbi Zweig explores the sixth principle of faith - belief in prophecy - examining why this is a cardinal principle beyond mere validation of Torah (תורה) and what it reveals about human potential for divine connection.
Rabbi Zweig analyzes the sixth principle of Maimonides' thirteen principles of faith: belief in the truth of prophets. He begins by questioning why this constitutes a cardinal principle, since it seems redundant with the seventh principle about Moses' prophecy validating the Torah (תורה). The core difficulty is understanding what makes belief in general prophecy essential to Jewish faith, especially since prophecy existed among non-Jews like Bilaam. The shiur examines Maimonides' description of prophetic requirements in the Mishneh Torah - wisdom, emotional control, and contentment - contrasting this with the Talmudic requirement that prophets be wise, strong, and wealthy in literal terms. Rabbi Zweig resolves this apparent contradiction by distinguishing between two levels of prophecy: prophets as divine messengers to others, and prophets experiencing direct communion with God. For messenger-prophets like Bilaam, physical wealth and strength matter because people are influenced by impressive appearances. God uses such figures to effectively deliver messages, regardless of their moral character. This explains how Bilaam, despite his moral corruption, could achieve high levels of prophecy - he served as God's vessel to influence others, not as someone achieving personal spiritual elevation. The second level involves personal spiritual communion with God, requiring the character traits Maimonides emphasizes. This represents the human potential to achieve direct two-way communication with the Divine - not merely speaking to God through prayer, but receiving direct responses and experiencing divine presence. Rabbi Zweig addresses Maimonides' ruling that divine promises made directly to prophets are conditional on their continued worthiness, while promises given through prophets to others are unconditional. He explains this through the analogy of marriage: direct divine communication represents relationship-based vision of the future rather than contractual promises. When God spoke to Jacob about protection and return to the land, He described the natural unfolding of their close relationship, not making binding commitments. This explains Jacob's later fear despite divine assurance - he worried that sins might have damaged the relationship. The principle of belief in prophecy thus concerns human potential for divine connection rather than obligation to obey prophetic messages (which is one of the 613 commandments). It establishes that humans can achieve such spiritual elevation that they enter unique, personal relationships with God, with divine presence descending upon them. This potential for communion with the Divine represents a fundamental aspect of human spiritual capacity and our purpose in life. The shiur concludes with a Midrash about King Yerovam's hand withering when he tried to seize the prophet Ido, noting that God protects prophetic honor even more than His own honor, demonstrating the profound closeness possible between God and those who achieve prophetic levels of connection.
An introduction to the first chapter of Ramchal's Derech HaShem, covering six fundamental principles about God's nature and existence, including the difference between emunah (internalization) and yedi'ah (knowledge).
An introductory class to studying the Ramchal's Derech Hashem, covering the author's life, his major works (Mesilat Yesharim, Derech Hashem, Da'at Tevunot), and the philosophical foundations that will guide the series.
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