No community start suggestion yet.
Why does Rashi (רש"י) read "one who loves money will not be satisfied" as meaning he won't even spend money? The shiur develops Rashi's insight that people who define themselves by net worth cannot spend because every expenditure diminishes their identity. Only those with genuine self-worth (built through personal effort) can enjoy their wealth freely.
Rabbi Zweig begins by examining a puzzling commentary of Rashi (רש"י) on Koheles 5:9. The verse states "Oheh kesef lo yishba kesef" - one who loves money will not be satisfied with money. While the simple reading suggests the person spends but isn't satisfied, Rashi translates it as the person won't even spend (eat) the money. This seems contradictory to the verse's apparent meaning. To explain Rashi's approach, Rabbi Zweig introduces the Talmudic principle that "a poor person is like a dead person," specifically citing the story of Yaakov fleeing from Esav. When Eliphaz (Esav's son) finds Yaakov, he resolves the conflict by taking all of Yaakov's money, since being poor is considered like being dead. The key insight is that this applies specifically to someone who was wealthy and lost their money ("dal" - meaning to subtract), not someone who was always poor.
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
Why does Koheles say the rich person can't sleep while the worker sleeps peacefully? The shiur develops a yesod that wealth, like children, represents divine stewardship rather than personal gifts. This reframes parental anxiety and financial responsibility as purposeful vigilance about fulfilling our divine mandate rather than protecting what we own.
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 5:9
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 do Jews give money for Chanukah while others give presents? The distinction reflects two opposing philosophies: Esav's "I have much" treats money as personal reward, while Yaakov's "I have everything" sees it as divine responsibility. Giving children money teaches judgment and accountability, while presents simply convey affection without developing character.