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Why does the Torah (תורה) call Tzipporah an "Isha Kushis" (black woman) when she was beautiful? Rashi (רש"י) explains that parents sometimes use derogatory nicknames for outstanding children to protect them from ayin hara. The same principle explains why Chazal created the term "Kohen hedyot" - giving Kohanim, who receive constant honor and attention, a somewhat pejorative designation to deflect potential jealousy.
This shiur explores a fascinating insight from Rashi (רש"י) on why the Torah (תורה) refers to Tzipporah as an "Isha Kushis" (black woman) when she was actually beautiful. Rashi explains that just as a parent might call a handsome child "Blackie" to avoid ayin hara, the Torah uses this seemingly negative description to protect Tzipporah from the evil eye. Rabbi Zweig extends this principle to explain a puzzling rabbinic terminology. While the Torah simply distinguishes between "Kohen" and "Kohen Gadol," the rabbis created the term "Kohen hedyot" for an ordinary priest. The word "hedyot" has decidedly negative connotations in rabbinic literature, often meaning "idiot" or referring to someone who inappropriately pushes himself forward.
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Parshas Beha'aloscha - Tzipporah called Isha Kushis
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