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Why does the Torah (תורה) describe Yishmael as 'peru adam' rather than 'adam peru'? The Hebrew word order reveals that Yishmael is fundamentally a wild animal in human form, not a wild human being. This distinction shapes how we understand the descendants of Yishmael versus Esav throughout history.
Rabbi Zweig analyzes a profound linguistic insight from the prophecy about Yishmael in Parshas Lech Lecha. When the angel tells Hagar that her son will be a 'peru adam' (wild man), the Hebrew word order is critically important. In Hebrew, the noun typically precedes the adjective, so 'peru adam' means he is fundamentally a 'peru' (wild animal) that merely appears human, rather than an 'adam peru' (human being who acts wildly). This grammatical analysis reveals a fundamental difference between Yishmael and Esav. Esav represents a human being with wild tendencies - still fundamentally human but capable of great evil through human reasoning and planning. Yishmael, by contrast, represents an animal consciousness in human form, driven primarily by self-preservation and animal instincts rather than human moral reasoning.
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Parshas Lech Lecha - prophecy about Yishmael
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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.
