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Why does the Torah (תורה) present kibud av v'em differently in the two versions of the Ten Commandments? The shiur distinguishes between Esav's approach (paying off a debt of gratitude) and Yaakov's approach (genuine personal service that gives reality to parents). When we subordinate ourselves to serve our parents, Hashem (ה׳) rewards us with psychological health and a sense of our own existence.
Rabbi Zweig explores profound discrepancies between the two versions of the Ten Commandments in Parshas Yisro and Parshas Va'eschanan, focusing particularly on the mitzvah (מצוה) of kibud av v'em (honoring parents). He addresses several difficulties: why Rashi (רש"י) introduces new interpretations in the second version, why the obligation references a previous command at Marah, and why the reward is described differently in each version. The shiur distinguishes between two fundamentally different approaches to honoring parents. Esav's approach represents paying off a debt of gratitude - doing things for parents to alleviate one's own sense of obligation. This is motivated by self-interest and doesn't constitute true personal service. In contrast, Yaakov's approach represents genuine personal service - giving reality and existence to one's parents through subordinating oneself to their needs.
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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 Va'eschanan (Devarim 5:16), Parshas Yisro (Shemos 20:12)
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