A free account is required to play audio and download files.
No community start suggestion yet.
Why does the Torah (תורה) write 'rosheichem shivteichem' instead of the simpler 'roshei shivteichem'? The awkward phrasing teaches that these weren't merely political heads of tribes, but leaders whose personalities molded their entire tribes into tzaddikim—paralleling the Gemara (גמרא) in Chulin that a righteous king makes all his servants righteous. Such transformative leaders rank even above the Sanhedrin in the covenant's hierarchy.
The shiur analyzes a puzzling textual formulation in Parshas Nitzavim (Devarim 29:9), where the Torah (תורה) lists the Jewish people's hierarchy at the covenant: 'Atem nitzavim hayom lifnei Hashem (ה׳) Elokeichem, rosheichem shivteichem, ziknechem, shotreichem, kol ish Yisrael.' Two fundamental difficulties emerge: First, why does the Torah write the awkward construction 'rosheichem shivteichem' (your heads, your tribes) when it could have written the simpler and clearer 'roshei shivteichem' (heads of your tribes) by removing just two letters (the chaf and mem)? Second, why does the order of precedence place tribal heads ('rosheichem shivteichem') before the elders ('ziknechem'), who presumably were the Sanhedrin? It seems counterintuitive that political leaders would outrank Torah scholars. Rashi (רש"י) explains that 'rosheichem shivteichem' means 'rosheichem l'shivteichem'—the heads of your tribes—requiring us to insert an implied lamed (preposition 'of') into the text. Rabbi Zweig questions why the Torah would use such a convoluted formulation requiring an implied letter when it could have written the phrase clearly and precisely with fewer letters by saying 'roshei shivteichem.' This textual awkwardness demands explanation.
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!
Parshas Nitzavim, Devarim 29:9
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!
Dedicate a Shiur in Parsha
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.
Up Next in this Series
Why did Potiphar's wife pursue Yosef, and what does Rashi mean when he calls her actions "leshem shamayim"? The shiur argues she correctly saw in astrology that she and Yosef would have a child—an unchangeable decree for most people. But as a descendant of Avrohom, whom Hashem lifted above the stars, Yosef possessed the unique power to bend astrological fate, transforming the prediction into fulfillment through her daughter (Osnas) instead.
Why did Hashem cure all the sick, blind, deaf, and lame before Matan Torah? The Rambam teaches that miracles require purpose. This shiur argues that the mass healing demonstrated that Torah is not meant for the downtrodden seeking comfort, but for healthy people who can fully channel their energies toward mitzvos and serve as proper examples to their communities.
Why does the Aramaic word for "accept" (Kabbalah) also mean "complain"? The shiur develops a profound insight: genuine acceptance only emerges from overcoming resistance. Without internal challenge, an idea merely passes through us—true commitment is born only when we wrestle with, resist, and ultimately decide to embrace a principle.
Why did the brothers hate Yosef when he received the kutonet pasim, yet strangers saw him as special? The kutonet represented Yaakov's recognition of Yosef's leadership ability—his power to uplift and unify. The brothers' jealousy blinded them; the Torah omits his name when they see him (just "oto"), but strangers always saw "Yosef." True chein comes from seeing others clearly, without the bias of our own needs.
Why did the materials for the Mishkan equal exactly what was needed with no waste, despite the principle that blessing doesn't rest on counted items? The shiur explains that Moshe's complete faithfulness—working solely for Hashem's agenda—transformed counting from an act of personal ownership into one that strengthened divine connection, thereby increasing blessings. Korach's self-interest inverted this principle, costing him everything.
Why does Rashi describe the Mishkan as "collateral" for Jewish sins? Rabbi Zweig develops the concept that God limited His own collection rights—accepting only the Mishkan's destruction rather than the nation's annihilation. This reflects the relationship of a father who reduces his own claims to ensure his children's survival.
Why does the Torah give a detailed accounting of silver and copper but not gold in Parshas Pekudei? The three metals represent three types of givers: those who give selflessly (gold), those seeking a two-way benefit (silver), and those buying honor (copper). The Midrash's three groups suspecting or praising Moshe reveal more about themselves than about Moshe—we judge others by our own standards.
