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How did Yigal Amir convince himself that murdering Rabin was a mitzvah (מצוה)? The shiur uses Avos 3:8 to establish a crucial test: authentic mitzvos build rather than destroy, while self-destructive behavior reveals spiritual delusion. When we neglect serious Torah (תורה) study, we lose the sensitivity to distinguish between genuine religious acts and destructive impulses disguised as righteousness.
Rabbi Zweig addresses the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzchok Rabin by Yigal Amir, arguing that the community has focused on the wrong issues. Rather than discussing political tolerance or proper channels for disagreement, the real question is how a person becomes so deluded that they convince themselves murder is a mitzvah (מצוה). This represents a profound form of self-deception where everything holy within a person motivates them toward what they believe is a righteous act. The shiur centers on Pirkei Avos 3:8, which states that one who forgets even one thing from his learning endangers his life. The Mishna clarifies this applies only to someone who consciously neglects their studies, not to unavoidable forgetfulness due to illness or difficulty. The Rishonim explain this refers to someone who studies but doesn't review seriously, jumping from topic to topic like a dilettante rather than a serious student.
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Pirkei Avos 3:8
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How can deeds exceed wisdom, and why does Avos 3:9b say this makes wisdom endure? The shiur develops the principle behind 'Naaseh V'Nishma' - that doing creates understanding rather than blind obedience, since mitzvos express our essential nature. This explains why practical mitzvah observance often precedes philosophical comprehension in effective chinuch.
