A free account is required to play audio and download files.
No community start suggestion yet.
Why does the Torah (תורה) record three separate introductions of maaser—by Avrohom, Yitzchok, and Yaakov—when each seems to cover the same mitzvah (מצוה)? The shiur traces a profound progression: Avrohom gave from miraculous windfalls, Yitzchok from agricultural labor (a God-man partnership), and Yaakov from personal income—the hardest level, because we feel our talents and earnings are entirely "ours." Recognizing that even our abilities are God-given reshapes humility, parenting, and our relationship with money.
Rabbi Zweig opens by examining an apparent redundancy: the Torah (תורה) records that Avrohom, Yitzchok, and Yaakov each gave maaser (tithes), yet the Rambam (רמב"ם) identifies Yitzchok as the one who instituted the mitzvah (מצוה) of maaser for all future generations. Why does the Rambam ignore Avrohom's earlier gift of ten percent to Malki-Tzedek, and why does the Torah need to tell us that Yaakov also gave maaser when it was already an established practice? The Ri'avad (Ra'avad) challenges the Rambam directly: Avrohom already gave maaser from the spoils of war (Bereishis 14), so how can Yitzchok be credited as the originator? Furthermore, in Parshas Vayeitzei, Yaakov promises to give maaser conditionally—"if God is with me and guards me, then I will give Him ten percent"—implying this was not yet obligatory. Yet the Rambam lists it among the mitzvos the Avos instituted for all generations. Another difficulty: the Torah says Yitzchok "estimated" (sha'ar) his maaser, but the Mishna in Pirkei Avos (1:16) teaches that one should never give charity by estimation, to avoid shortchanging the poor.
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!
Vayeitzei (Bereishis 28:22), Lech Lecha (Bereishis 14:20), Toldos (Bereishis 26:12)
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 Parsha
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.
Up Next in this Series
Why are sins automatically forgiven for three categories - converts, those elevated to leadership, and those who marry - without any teshuvah required? The shiur distinguishes between soulmate marriages (which create complete identity transformation) and companion marriages, using Esav's third wife as the paradigm. When true soulmates unite, they literally become new people, explaining why sins are forgiven rather than merely sealed.
Why does the Torah emphasize Esav selling his birthright over his other sins like murder and adultery? The key insight is that "vayivez" means Esav despised himself, not just the birthright - reflecting devastating self-worth issues rooted in inconsistent parental love and unproductive time use. Poor self-image is worse than behavioral sins because it can't be simply repented from and blocks all growth.
What does it mean that Leah was 'hated' despite being loved by Yaakov? The shiur redefines hatred (sina) not as animosity but as having separate agendas - two people can love yet remain fundamentally divided in priorities. Yaakov's seven years of labor for Rochel exemplifies making your spouse your agenda rather than maintaining parallel lives.
Why did the brothers hate Yosef when he received the kutonet pasim, yet strangers saw him as special? The kutonet represented Yaakov's recognition of Yosef's leadership ability—his power to uplift and unify. The brothers' jealousy blinded them; the Torah omits his name when they see him (just "oto"), but strangers always saw "Yosef." True chein comes from seeing others clearly, without the bias of our own needs.
Why did the materials for the Mishkan equal exactly what was needed with no waste, despite the principle that blessing doesn't rest on counted items? The shiur explains that Moshe's complete faithfulness—working solely for Hashem's agenda—transformed counting from an act of personal ownership into one that strengthened divine connection, thereby increasing blessings. Korach's self-interest inverted this principle, costing him everything.
Why does Rashi describe the Mishkan as "collateral" for Jewish sins? Rabbi Zweig develops the concept that God limited His own collection rights—accepting only the Mishkan's destruction rather than the nation's annihilation. This reflects the relationship of a father who reduces his own claims to ensure his children's survival.
Why does the Torah give a detailed accounting of silver and copper but not gold in Parshas Pekudei? The three metals represent three types of givers: those who give selflessly (gold), those seeking a two-way benefit (silver), and those buying honor (copper). The Midrash's three groups suspecting or praising Moshe reveal more about themselves than about Moshe—we judge others by our own standards.
