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Why does "tov" appear in the second tablets but not the first? The Maharal teaches that the first tablets represented pre-sin perfection while the second represent our post-sin world. "Ki tov" belongs specifically in our flawed world because God's plan always included deficiency, sin, and tikkun as the arena for revealing divine glory.
This shiur analyzes the difference between the formulation of kibud av v'em (honoring father and mother) in Parshas Yisro versus Parshas V'eschanan. In Yisro, the pasuk promises "lamaan yaarichun yameicha" (that your days may be lengthened), while in V'eschanan it adds "u'lamaan yitav lach" (and that it may go well with you). The Gemara (גמרא) explains that since the first tablets were broken, if they had contained the word "tov," the world would be without good - therefore "tov" appears only in the second tablets. The Maharal's interpretation transforms this into a profound theological statement. The first tablets represent the level of Gan Eden before Adam's sin, while the second tablets represent this world after the sin. The giving of the Torah (תורה) was meant to repair Adam's sin - "pasak zuhamatan" - the impurity that the serpent introduced was removed at Sinai. When the Jewish people sinned with the golden calf, "chazar zuhamatan" - the impurity returned.
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Parshas Yisro - Aseres HaDibros, Parshas V'eschanan
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