No community start suggestion yet.
Why does the Torah (תורה) connect the prohibition against murder with the prohibition against flattery in the same pasuk? Flattery spiritually murders by feeding false illusions about oneself, creating complete disconnection from reality. This explains why flatterers cannot receive accurate self-assessment even when standing before Hashem (ה׳) - and connects to our post-Churban inability to know where we truly stand spiritually.
The shiur begins with a puzzling question: why does the Torah (תורה) connect the prohibition against murder with the prohibition against flattery (chanifah) in the same pasuk? The Ramban (רמב"ן) quotes the Sifri that derives the issur of flattery from a verse seemingly about murder, creating an apparent disconnect between these two prohibitions. Rav Zweig explains that there are two distinct types of arrogance based on the Gemara (גמרא) in Eruvin's interpretation of "Torah lo bashamayim." The first is "gasei ruach" - where a person knows who he is but considers himself superior to others, pushing them around based on his perceived superiority. The second is "meisim atzmo kishamayim" - where a person has complete illusions about who he is, living in a fantasy world about his abilities and accomplishments.
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 Aggadita
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.
How long must Hashem tolerate the Jewish people's rebellious behavior? A Midrash compares this to the halachic question of carrying a child holding muktze on Shabbos. The analysis reveals that rejecting Eretz Yisrael represents a deeper spiritual corruption than individual acts of avoda zara.
Parshas Masei - end of parsha discussing murder and flattery
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!
What did Dovid mean when he reduced the 613 mitzvos to twelve principles? The Gemara reveals that mitzvos have two dimensions: fulfilling the obligation and achieving personal completion (hashlomah). Dovid identified twelve core principles that encapsulate the essential character development aspect of all mitzvos.
