No community start suggestion yet.
Why did God hasten the Exodus by 190 years when He wasn't obligated to redeem the Jewish people yet? Rashi (רש"י)'s reading of Shir HaShirim reveals extraordinary divine love - God redeemed them before they would despair completely and lose desire for redemption. The choice of Moshe, whose prophecy was uniquely direct speech rather than interpreted visions, made the redemption itself a personal divine connection rather than mere preparation for one.
This shiur examines Rashi (רש"י)'s interpretation of Shir HaShirim (Song of Songs) regarding how God's love was expressed during the Exodus from Egypt. Rabbi Zweig begins by analyzing Rashi's comment on "Draw me after You, let us run," explaining that the Jewish people had despaired of redemption, yet God hastened the end by approximately 190 years. The key insight is that God was not obligated to redeem them at that time - if He had waited, they would have been in such despair that they wouldn't have wanted redemption, thereby exempting Him from His promise. By hastening the redemption, God demonstrated extraordinary love. The shiur explores the metaphor of God "leaping over the mountains, bounding over the hills," which Rashi identifies as the Patriarchs and Matriarchs respectively. God's love for the ancestors motivated Him to benefit their children even when not obligated. The analysis continues with "peering through the windows, peeping through the crevices," explaining how God watched the situation carefully to determine the optimal timing for redemption.
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 does the opening of Shir HaShirim mean by requesting divine 'kisses of His mouth'? Rashi's distinction between types of kisses reveals that mouth-to-mouth contact represents the deepest soul connection through divine breath. This explains why Israel requested direct divine communication at Sinai rather than receiving Torah only through Moshe.
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.
Shir HaShirim 2:8-13
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!
How could the Jewish people blame the erev rav for the golden calf when each person is responsible for their own choices? The erev rav's decision to join the exodus gave wavering Jews validation that leaving Egypt wasn't foolish, creating psychological influence that Pharaoh deliberately exploited. This dynamic explains why whoever gives someone confidence gains power over them.
