No community start suggestion yet.
Why does the Torah (תורה) write the chaf in "livkosah" (to cry for her) with an unusually small letter when describing Avrohom's eulogy for Sarah? The Baal HaTurim's shocking answer — that Avrohom cried only a little because Sarah brought about her own death by invoking divine judgment against Hagar — raises profound questions about our matriarch and the nature of eulogy.
The shiur addresses a troubling question that has occupied Rabbi Zweig for over twenty-five years: the meaning of the small chaf in the word "livkosah" when the Torah (תורה) describes Avrohom coming to eulogize and cry for Sarah after her death at age 127. The Baal HaTurim, one of the greatest rabbinic authorities who compiled the first Shulchan Aruch approximately 750-800 years ago, offers a shocking interpretation. The small letter indicates that Avrohom only cried a little bit for Sarah. This limited mourning was because Sarah caused her own death through her words. When Sarah had her conflict with Hagar and said to Avrohom, "God should judge between me and you," she invoked divine judgment. The principle "shemosra din al chaveiro hitchila" teaches that one who calls for divine judgment against another is judged first. Additionally, the principle "ubaal meabed atzmo ledaas" states that one who commits suicide does not receive a full eulogy.
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!
Bereishis 23:2 (Chayei Sarah)
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 does the Midrash connect Pharaoh's expulsion of the Jews to the mitzvah of shiluach hakan? The shiur develops a chiddush that Pharaoh's sin wasn't only drowning the children, but the insensitivity of expelling the parents afterward. The deeper analysis reveals that Pharaoh may have valued the Jews greatly and wanted to control them—making his expulsion an act of tremendous cruelty, not liberation.
Why does Moshe respond to the splitting of the sea with shirah rather than praise or thanksgiving? Rashi's use of "al libo" reveals that shirah is an emotional expression—a response of love to love. When Hashem shows personal care, the only adequate response is "I love You too," not mere gratitude or praise, and this principle applies to all relationships.
