No community start suggestion yet.
Why does Koheles call Torah (תורה) study, marriage, and work all forms of 'seeing life'? The shiur develops that these three activities share a unique power to redefine identity through bechirah - not just choosing actions, but choosing to become someone new. True marriage means internalizing your spouse's worldview, meaningful work actualizes your destined identity, and Torah transforms your essence.
Rabbi Zweig analyzes Koheles 9:9 which speaks of 'seeing life' (re'eh chayim) with one's wife, and Rashi (רש"י)'s commentary connecting this to Torah (תורה) study and earning a livelihood. The shiur explores why these three activities - Torah learning, marriage, and work - are all called 'life' and how they fundamentally transform a person. The discussion begins with the Gemara (גמרא) in Sanhedrin 81a which equates taking someone's livelihood with 'defiling his wife,' using remarkably strong language. This leads to examining why one's profession is considered so integral to their identity and life definition.
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 Navi
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
What determines eternal worth - our accomplishments or our effort relative to ability? The shiur reveals through Koheles 9:9 and a Gemara in Avodah Zarah that the World to Come measures zechus (merit from personal growth) not achievements. A child with learning disabilities who maximizes their potential may reach higher spiritual levels than a gifted child who coasts on natural talent.
Why did Hashem insist on giving us Eretz Yisrael rather than creating a new land for us? The shiur explores a Midrash that claims Hashem wanted to show His power by defeating our enemies. This creates an ongoing divine commitment to protect us in a hostile environment where the nations perceive us as thieves of their land.
Why did Shlomo HaMelech combine intellect, physical pleasure, and chukim after each approach individually failed? The shiur develops that humans must acknowledge both their physical nature and spiritual capacity simultaneously. Chukim (called "foolishness" here) teach us to act for internal meaning rather than external approval.
Koheles 9:9
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!
Why don't the wise always have bread or the strong always win wars, as Koheles 9:11 observes? Success belongs entirely to God, not to human ability or effort. Our job is developing our capacities to the maximum while recognizing that whether those efforts translate to actual success remains God's decision alone.
