No community start suggestion yet.
Why does the Torah (תורה) list Moshe, Aharon, and the leaders all present when Bnos Tzelofchad ask their question? The Midrash debates whether they approached everyone simultaneously or went through a chain of command. This passage provides the source for the Rambam (רמב"ם)'s law that when a court cannot answer a question, they must accompany the questioner to a higher court.
The shiur examines the unusual phrasing in Parshas Pinchas describing how Bnos Tzelofchad approached Moshe, Aharon, the nesi'im, and the entire community with their inheritance question. Rashi (רש"י) cites a Midrashic dispute about whether they approached everyone simultaneously or went through a hierarchical chain of command, with the Torah (תורה) listing them in reverse chronological order. Rabbi Zweig explains that this argument reflects a fundamental question about the nature of their request. Were they asking for a legal ruling based on existing Jewish law, or were they requesting a special favor since they believed they had no legal entitlement? If seeking a legal ruling, they would naturally go through the proper judicial hierarchy. If requesting a favor, they would go directly to Moshe as the ultimate authority.
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 Rashi give conflicting descriptions of Israel's leaders in Egypt? The shiur explores how two different leadership styles emerged: those who pushed people to work harder while taking beatings, versus those who simply absorbed punishment to spare their people. The Torah prioritizes the first type - leaders who accomplish things even when unpopular.
Why does the Torah repeat that Rivka came from a family of manipulators and wicked people? The shiur argues that this is not "despite" her background but rather her yichus—she inherited their extraordinary sensitivity to others' needs but channeled it toward chesed rather than manipulation. True kindness requires understanding what the recipient actually needs, not just what the giver wants to give.
Why did Avrohom ask for visible signs of old age when people were already growing old? The shiur develops the principle that Avrohom requested that aging reflect not just physical decline but accumulated wisdom and compassion. This dignity of age is the foundation for transmitting values across generations—and its absence explains both the sin of the spies and the breakdown of contemporary families.
Parshas Pinchas - Bnos Tzelofchad
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 didn't Noach daven for his generation while Avrohom advocated for Sedom? Noach viewed each person as an independent island responsible only for their own teshuvah. Avrohom understood that all humanity is interconnected through shared perspective and values, making prayer for others both possible and necessary.
