No community start suggestion yet.
Why does Rashi (רש"י) count Lech Lecha—an offer of wealth, fame, and children—as a test at all? The shiur develops the yesod that Avrohom's test was whether he could derive genuine pleasure from giving up his home, family, and birthplace in order to serve Hashem (ה׳). Unconditional giving—not sacrifice, but joy in serving—is the currency of Jewish existence and the essence of imitatio Dei.
The shiur opens with a fundamental question: how can Lech Lecha be considered one of Avrohom Avinu's ten tests? Hashem (ה׳) promises him wealth, fame, and children in exchange for leaving his homeland—a seemingly easy proposition. Moreover, this "test" appears to violate the Mishnaic principle that one should not serve Hashem for the sake of reward (Avos 1:3). Even more puzzling, the Midrash in Parshas Vayeira states that it is unclear whether Lech Lecha or the Akeidah was the greater test, requiring the pasuk "Lech Lecha el Eretz HaMoriyah" to prove the Akeidah was greater. How could leaving home with promises of blessing even compare to sacrificing one's beloved son? Rabbi Zweig develops a profound yesod based on Rashi (רש"י)'s opening comment on the parsha. The key lies in understanding the extra word "lecha" in "Lech lecha." Rashi explains this means "for your benefit and pleasure." The Torah (תורה) is not saying Avrohom should go in order to receive the rewards mentioned in the second sentence; rather, the very act of leaving—of giving up his emotional ties to his homeland, birthplace, and father's house—must itself be done with pleasure and joy. This is the test: can Avrohom derive genuine pleasure from the act of giving up in order to give to Hashem?
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 seeing a sotah inspire one to become a nazir? The nazir's abstention creates a pre-sin state where body and soul exist in perfect harmony. This 30-day period corrects the internal contradiction that led to his original transgression.
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 12:1 (Lech Lecha)
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!
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.
