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Why didn't the Mabul teach the world about God? Post-Mabul technology and commerce created a man-centered world where God's presence seemed distant. Avrohom introduced a revolutionary solution: become a giver rather than a taker. When we give generously—paying far more than market value to transform economic transactions into exchanges of love—we mirror Hashem (ה׳) and bring His presence into the man-made world.
Rabbi Zweig explores a fundamental question: why did Avrohom Avinu's message succeed in bringing God's presence to the world while Noach's did not? The conventional answer—that Avrohom spread the message while Noach kept it to himself—is contradicted by Chazal. Rashi (רש"י) on "es haElokim hishalech Noach" explains that Noach needed Divine support (s'ad l'tomchah), while Avrohom walked before God independently ("hishalech lefanai"). The Targum similarly translates Noach's walking with God as "bedachalta d'Hashem (ה׳)" (in fear of God), while Avrohom's is "plachadamai" (through service). These Rishonim indicate a substantive internal difference between Avrohom and Noach, not merely a difference in outreach success. A deeper question emerges: Why did the world need Avrohom's message at all? The Mabul itself was an undeniable demonstration of God's existence and power—a complete reshaping of creation. Yet shortly afterward, the Dor HaFlaga waged war against God. What went wrong? The answer lies in understanding the revolutionary changes the Dor HaFlaga introduced. Until then, building materials came directly from nature—stones from quarries. The Dor HaFlaga invented bricks, man-made materials representing human intelligence and creativity. Similarly, they transitioned from a farm-based economy (where one depends on rain and nature) to a city-based commerce economy (where success depends on human initiative and ingenuity). These changes created a perception that this is man's world, not God's. How can one ask God to leave when living in God's house? But if the house, the economy, and all visible reality appear man-made, people feel entitled to exclude God from "their" world.
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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.
