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Why does Torah (תורה) law require only 30 shekel when an animal kills a slave, even if the slave was worth far more? The shiur distinguishes between criminal and civil frameworks, showing that Torah treats animal-caused deaths as criminal negligence requiring fixed fines rather than civil damages requiring full restitution. This reflects the post-Exodus transformation from Noahide law's 'don't murder' to Torah law's affirmative duty to protect others' absolute right to life.
This shiur examines the Torah (תורה)'s law requiring payment of 30 shekel when one's animal kills a slave, regardless of the slave's actual value. Rabbi Zweig uses this seemingly unfair law to illuminate profound differences between Torah law and secular legal systems. The core question is how one could pay less than actual damages - only 30 shekel for a slave worth 1,000 shekel. Rabbi Zweig introduces the fundamental Talmudic principle that punishment can only be enforced where a prohibition exists (ein onshin elah im kein masirin). In criminal law, there must be a 'thou shall not' command, not merely consequences. However, in monetary damages, this principle doesn't apply - one can theoretically damage property if willing to pay restitution.
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Sanhedrin 56b
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