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How can Yaakov succeed in the physical world when Esav possesses superior physical strength? The shiur develops the concept of 'spiritual hands' - that Yaakov accesses physical power by anchoring it in Torah (תורה) study and prayer. Moshe's raised hands against Amalek demonstrate this principle: when spiritual connection weakens, Esav's natural advantage reasserts itself.
This shiur explores a fundamental question from the blessings Yitzchok gave to Yaakov and Esav: how can Yaakov succeed in the physical world when Esav possesses the power of 'hands' (physical strength)? The speaker begins by analyzing several difficult Rashis regarding the war with Amalek, including why Moshe's hands becoming heavy was connected to his delegation of choosing soldiers to Yehoshua, and why Rashi (רש"י) elaborates on the entire Mishna about honoring one's student, friend, and teacher. The core thesis emerges from a Gemara (גמרא) in Shabbos (שבת) about weapons being ornaments for scholars. The principle of 'ein mikra yotzei midpeshuto' teaches that Torah (תורה) scholars can become mighty warriors - not through abandoning the literal meaning, but by anchoring their physical actions in spiritual foundations. Just as payment for damages must be understood as replacing one's actual eye (not mere compensation), physical power must be rooted in spiritual awareness.
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Parshas Beshalach 17:8-13
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