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Why does Rashi (רש"י) describe Egyptian unity as 'b'lev echad k'ish echad' but Jewish unity at Har Sinai as 'k'ish echad b'lev echad'? The reversal reveals two types of unity: Egyptians shared common purpose but remained individually selfish, while Jews became genuinely connected as people. True leadership requires fostering interpersonal connection, not just ideological alignment.
Rabbi Zweig begins by examining the pasuk 'Zeh Keili v'anveihu' from Shiras HaYam, analyzing Rashi (רש"י)'s interpretation of describing Hashem (ה׳)'s beauty through the balance of mercy (tzach - whiteness representing forgiveness) and judgment (adom - redness representing punishment of enemies). This leads to a fundamental discussion about leadership and unity. The main focus centers on Rashi's contrasting descriptions of unity in two different contexts. In Parshas Beshalach, when the Egyptians pursue Bnei Yisrael, the Torah (תורה) uses singular language 'Mitzrayim nosea' despite referring to multiple people. Rashi explains this as 'b'lev echad k'ish echad' - they were unified with one heart like one person, meaning they shared a common purpose (destroying the Jews for personal gain).
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Parshas Beshalach 14:10, 15:2
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