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Why does the Torah (תורה) give Yaakov two names that are never combined—only "Yaakov" or "Yisrael," never "Yaakov Yisrael"? The shiur develops a profound yesod: the Jewish people have two distinct configurations. Yaakov represents twelve tribes including Yosef and Levi; Yisrael represents twelve tribes with Ephraim and Menashe replacing Yosef and Levi. The entire sale of Yosef was necessary to create this second configuration and enable the Jewish people to confront Esav.
Rabbi Zweig addresses fundamental questions in Parshas Vayeishev regarding the sale of Yosef and develops a revolutionary framework for understanding the dual identity of the Jewish people through the names Yaakov and Yisrael. The shiur begins with several difficulties: Why does Hashem (ה׳) participate in concealing the sale of Yosef from Yaakov, seemingly endorsing the brothers' conspiracy? Why are the ten martyrs punished for the sale of Yosef rather than other apparent wrongs? How does selling Yosef substitute for the brothers' original decree to kill him? Why does the Torah (תורה) call Yosef the "ben zekunim" (son of old age) when Binyamin was actually born eight years later and is the true youngest son? What is the essential argument between Yosef and his brothers that generates such intense hatred?
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Bereishis 37 (Parshas Vayeishev)
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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.
