No community start suggestion yet.
Why does the Torah (תורה) juxtapose Miriam's lashon hara about Moshe with the story of the spies? The shiur develops the Rambam (רמב"ם)'s insight that lashon hara primarily damages the speaker, not the subject, by breeding cynicism and destroying our ability to appreciate greatness. This explains how one can speak lashon hara about inanimate objects and why Moshe prayed for Miriam's healing from distorted perspective.
Rabbi Zweig begins by examining the juxtaposition of Miriam's punishment for speaking about Moshe and the story of the spies (meraglim). He raises three fundamental questions: Why did the spies need Miriam's example when lashon hara is already forbidden as severely as murder, idolatry, and adultery combined? How can one speak lashon hara about an inanimate object like the land of Israel? And how can one person pray for another's repentance when teshuva (תשובה) is personal? The Rambam (רמב"ם)'s insight reveals the revolutionary answer. When Miriam spoke about Moshe's separation from his wife, the Torah (תורה) emphasizes that "the man Moshe was very humble" - meaning he wasn't upset or affected by her words at all. This teaches that lashon hara can be a "victimless crime" in terms of the subject, yet still devastating to the speaker.
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.
Up Next in this Series
Why does the Torah emphasize that the Jews cried after hearing the spies' report, rather than focusing on their actual rebellion? The shiur distinguishes between healthy crying that communicates 'without you I'm lost' versus destructive crying that says 'unless I get my way, everything you offer means nothing.' The spies' generation chose the latter, rejecting their entire relationship with Hashem.
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 Shelach - the story of the spies and Miriam's lashon hara
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!
Why did the spies miss obvious miracles during their forty-day mission? The shiur develops a yesod that perception follows agenda - we see what we're internally programmed to look for, not objective reality. This principle explains how to build the Rambam's ideal friendship and why focusing children on siblings' good qualities transforms family dynamics.
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.
