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Why did Israel sin by requesting a king when appointing a king is a Torah (תורה) mitzvah (מצוה)? The shiur builds on the Rambam (רמב"ם) and Chinuch to distinguish between head of state (divinely appointed) and head of government (empowered by the people). True malchus requires the people to willingly transfer governing authority while maintaining reverence - creating the paradox that underlies melech she'mocha kavodo ein kavodo mocho.
This shiur examines fundamental questions about Jewish kingship by analyzing the Rambam (רמב"ם)'s treatment of the mitzvah (מצוה) of minui hamelech (appointing a king). The central question is why Klal Yisrael was criticized for requesting a king when the Torah (תורה) commands us to appoint one. The Rambam explains they requested improperly - rejecting Shmuel HaNavi rather than fulfilling the mitzvah. Rabbi Zweig develops a comprehensive theory distinguishing between two aspects of kingship: head of state and head of government. Using the Chinuch's insight that mitzvos must be perpetual to be counted among the 613, he explains that the mitzvah som tosim alecha melech is ongoing - we must continuously empower the king as governing authority. Malchus Beis Dovid represents the permanent royal family (head of state), while governing authority must come from the people's willing submission.
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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.
