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Why does the Aramaic word for "accept" (Kabbalah) also mean "complain"? The shiur develops a profound insight: genuine acceptance only emerges from overcoming resistance. Without internal challenge, an idea merely passes through us—true commitment is born only when we wrestle with, resist, and ultimately decide to embrace a principle.
This shiur examines a linguistic insight from Onkelos's Aramaic translation of Parshas Yisro that reveals a fundamental principle about human commitment and acceptance. The discussion centers on how Onkelos translates the word "shema" (heard) in two different contexts in the parsha. Rabbi Zweig begins by noting that Onkelos translates "Yisro heard" simply as hearing—passive reception of information. However, when the Torah (תורה) later says that Moshe "listened" to Yisro's advice about appointing judges, Onkelos translates this with the word "Kabbalah"—indicating not mere hearing but submission to authority, acceptance, and obedience. This second usage represents a qualitatively different type of listening—one that involves taking action and following through on what was heard.
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Parshas Yisro
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