No community start suggestion yet.
Should life decisions prioritize personal growth or filling community needs? The machlokes between Rashi (רש"י) and Ramban (רמב"ן) on Avnei Miluim reflects two approaches: Rashi's "filling holes" versus Ramban's "prominent display." The shiur argues that true fulfillment comes from identifying vital community roles rather than seeking advancement, explaining why Korach's rebellion failed despite sincere spiritual motivations.
This shiur develops a profound yesod hachaim (life principle) from the machlokes between Rashi (רש"י) and Ramban (רמב"ן) regarding Avnei Miluim in Parshas Terumah. Rashi explains that Avnei Miluim means stones that fill holes in the Choshen's mounting, while the Ramban interprets it as stones that are prominently displayed on prongs, highlighting their beauty. Rabbi Zweig suggests that this disagreement reflects two fundamentally different approaches to life purpose. According to Rashi's interpretation, the stones represent the concept of filling a needed space rather than seeking self-promotion. This translates to a crucial life principle: a person's fulfillment and importance should come from identifying and filling community needs rather than pursuing personal advancement. Rabbi Zweig illustrates this with the story of a former kollel member who wanted to move from Miami to Lakewood for his children's spiritual growth. Both Rabbi Zweig and Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky advised against the move, arguing that his role filling a vital need in Miami's smaller Jewish community was more valuable than his potential personal growth in Lakewood's larger community.
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 the half-shekel create ongoing communal obligation rather than a one-time payment? The machatzit hashekel functions like purchasing stock in Klal Yisrael, creating perpetual responsibility for all communal needs. This transforms individual Jews into corporate shareholders who must support the entire tzibbur, not just institutions that benefit them personally.
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.
Parshas Terumah - Avnei Miluim
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 "Vayikra" have a small alef when other instances of Hashem calling Moshe don't? The grammatical structure "Vayikra El Moshe" positions Moshe as central, showing Hashem making him the center of attention. This teaches that healthy relationships require each party to make the other feel central - Hashem treats us as His focus, while we must make everything about Him.
