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Why did the Jews borrow silver and gold from the Egyptians rather than demand the wages they were owed? The shiur develops a fundamental yesod: Klal Yisrael seeks presents from Hashem (ה׳)—expressions of unconditional love—not payment of obligations. Avrohom established this principle by taking gifts from Pharaoh while refusing payment from Melech Sedom, teaching that we want self-respect and relationship, not merely wealth.
Rabbi Zweig addresses a classic question: Why did Avrohom Avinu refuse even a shoelace from Melech Sedom, saying "so you should not say I made Avrohom wealthy," yet willingly accepted enormous gifts from Pharaoh when he went down to Egypt? The answer introduces a fundamental principle about the Jewish people's relationship with Hashem (ה׳). The shiur explores a deeper question from Parshas Beshalach regarding why the Jewish people borrowed silver and gold from the Egyptians rather than demanding the wages they were clearly entitled to after 430 years of slavery. The Gemara (גמרא) in Sanhedrin records that centuries later, when Egyptians sued for return of the borrowed items, the Jewish defense was successful precisely because we were entitled to wages. If we were entitled to wages, why not demand them directly and leave with dignity rather than borrowing and appearing to abscond?
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Parshas Beshalach
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What is the primary purpose of the cities of refuge - protecting the accidental killer or something else? The shiur argues that creating respect for law takes precedence over providing sanctuary. True deterrence comes from recognizing the gravity of murder itself, not fear of punishment.
