No community start suggestion yet.
Why does Koheles speak of both zman (designated time) and eis (present moment) in spiritual matters? The shiur develops that zman represents God's invitation while eis represents our response, and their intersection creates moed - actual relationship rather than mere spiritual exercise. True avodah requires divine partnership, just as bris milah needed God's command because covenants cannot be unilateral.
Rabbi Zweig opens his analysis of Koheles chapter 3 with the famous verse "For everything there's a time, and there's a time for everything under the heavens." He distinguishes between two Hebrew words for time: zman (designated time, related to preparation) and eis (the present moment, related to 'now'). Through Rashi (רש"י)'s commentary and a fascinating Midrash, he explains that zman represents times when God has designated His involvement, while eis represents our living in the moment. The Midrash cites examples: Adam HaRishon had designated times for entering and leaving the Garden of Eden, Noah for entering and leaving the ark, and Avrohom for circumcision. The Jewish people had two designated times for circumcision as a nation. Rabbi Zweig addresses a classic question: why didn't Avrohom perform circumcision before God commanded it, when he fulfilled all other mitzvos? His answer: circumcision is a bris (covenant), which requires two parties. Unlike other mitzvos that involve self-perfection, a covenant demands mutual agreement - you cannot merge unilaterally, just as you cannot marry yourself.
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 Navi
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 Rashi read Koheles 3:1's "time to give birth" as simply referring to pregnancy's nine-month duration? The shiur argues this teaches that God gives preparation time requiring active management rather than reactive responses. Just as people procrastinate because they lack inner strength to act independently, Jewish life demands proactive decision-making about values and challenges rather than following social trends or "shooting from the hip."
Why did Hashem insist on giving us Eretz Yisrael rather than creating a new land for us? The shiur explores a Midrash that claims Hashem wanted to show His power by defeating our enemies. This creates an ongoing divine commitment to protect us in a hostile environment where the nations perceive us as thieves of their land.
Why did Shlomo HaMelech combine intellect, physical pleasure, and chukim after each approach individually failed? The shiur develops that humans must acknowledge both their physical nature and spiritual capacity simultaneously. Chukim (called "foolishness" here) teach us to act for internal meaning rather than external approval.
Koheles 3:1
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!
Why does Torah criminal law make conviction nearly impossible, requiring two witnesses, prior warning, and immediate execution of the crime? The shiur reveals that Jewish law prioritizes moral education over punishment, teaching 'don't do wrong' rather than 'don't get caught.' This principle transforms parenting from consequence-management to raising children who internalize right and wrong.
