Shir HaShirim: The Erev Rav's Influence and National Unity

Full Summary

This shiur provides a profound analysis of Shir HaShirim 1:5-6, focusing on the verse 'Shechora ani v'nava bnos Yerushalayim' (I am black but beautiful, daughters of Jerusalem). Rabbi Zweig explains that the blackness represents external corruption rather than internal nature, caused by the sun's scorching rather than inherent defect. The phrase 'bnei imi nicharu bi' (the children of my mother incited me) refers to Egypt as the 'mother' where the Jewish people were forged into a nation during 400 years of slavery. The 'bnei imi' specifically refers to the erev rav (mixed multitude) who convinced the Jews to worship the golden calf. Rabbi Zweig addresses a fundamental question: how can one blame others for their own sins? He explains that while 80% of Jews didn't want to leave Egypt, preferring the honor and wealth there to an uncertain desert journey, the remaining 20% who followed divine command had doubts about their decision's logic. The erev rav's crucial role was providing validation - their willingness to join the exodus gave the Jews confidence that their decision wasn't insane. This validation created tremendous power over the Jewish people, as whoever gives a person confidence in themselves gains influence over them. Pharaoh understood this dynamic and encouraged the erev rav to join the exodus as his final strategy to destroy the Jewish people spiritually after failing physically. The shiur then transitions to a complex halachic analysis comparing the Mikdash's role in shofar versus lulav laws. Rabbi Zweig distinguishes between two functions of the Mikdash: as a place of divine service (avodah) and as the center of national unity. For matters of national unity like tekias shofar (which represents God's kingship), Jerusalem shares the Mikdash's status. However, for pure service matters like lulav waving, only the actual Mikdash qualifies. This analysis resolves apparent contradictions in the Rambam (רמב"ם)'s rulings and explains why different mitzvos have different geographical requirements.