No community start suggestion yet.
Why did Sarah die upon hearing about the Akeida, and why does the Torah (תורה) write lev'kot (to cry) with a small letter? The Baal HaTurim's shocking statement—that Sarah brought her death upon herself—is explored through the lens of absolute justice versus divine mercy. When Sarah asked God to judge between her and Hagar, she invoked strict justice, not knowing her son would be tested by that same standard.
This shiur addresses two deeply troubling questions that have profound emotional and theological dimensions. First, why does the Baal HaTurim suggest that Avrohom only cried a little at Sarah's death, and that she brought her death upon herself? Second, why did Hagar abandon her dying son Yishmael in the desert, moving even further away from him—behavior that seems utterly contrary to motherhood? The shiur begins with the textual anomaly in Parshas Chayei Sarah: the word "lev'kot" (to cry) is written with an unusually small letter chaf. The Baal HaTurim explains this indicates Avrohom cried only a little, because Sarah caused her own death when she said to Avrohom regarding Hagar, "May God judge between me and you." The Midrash teaches that when someone invokes divine judgment on another, they are judged first. Furthermore, someone who brings death upon themselves does not receive a full eulogy.
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!
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 does the Midrash connect Pharaoh's expulsion of the Jews to the mitzvah of shiluach hakan? The shiur develops a chiddush that Pharaoh's sin wasn't only drowning the children, but the insensitivity of expelling the parents afterward. The deeper analysis reveals that Pharaoh may have valued the Jews greatly and wanted to control them—making his expulsion an act of tremendous cruelty, not liberation.
Why does Moshe respond to the splitting of the sea with shirah rather than praise or thanksgiving? Rashi's use of "al libo" reveals that shirah is an emotional expression—a response of love to love. When Hashem shows personal care, the only adequate response is "I love You too," not mere gratitude or praise, and this principle applies to all relationships.
Bereishis 23:1-2 (Parshas Chayei Sarah)
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!
