No community start suggestion yet.
When does the yetzer hara begin - at birth or in the womb? The shiur resolves contradictory sources by distinguishing two types: the drive for control (which begins in utero and explains Yaakov and Esav's behavior) versus the drive for physical pleasure (which starts at birth). This insight reframes many relationship conflicts as control issues rather than pleasure-seeking, with practical applications for marriage and chinuch.
This shiur examines a challenging passage from Masechta Sanhedrin that discusses when the yetzer hara (evil inclination) begins to influence a person. The Gemara (גמרא) initially suggests it begins at birth, but this creates difficulties with other sources showing that Yaakov and Esav exhibited moral awareness while still in the womb, and with a story in Masechta Yoma about embryos displaying righteousness or wickedness. Rabbi Zweig proposes a novel resolution: there are actually two distinct types of yetzer hara. The first is the drive for control and autonomy - a rejection of being controlled by others. This manifests as early as consciousness develops, even in the womb, and explains the Gemara's phrase that the yetzer hara "wants to kill" a person. This isn't about physical pleasure but about self-destructive behavior driven by the need to prove one's independence from control.
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 Aggadita
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.
How long must Hashem tolerate the Jewish people's rebellious behavior? A Midrash compares this to the halachic question of carrying a child holding muktze on Shabbos. The analysis reveals that rejecting Eretz Yisrael represents a deeper spiritual corruption than individual acts of avoda zara.
Sanhedrin 91b
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!
What did Dovid mean when he reduced the 613 mitzvos to twelve principles? The Gemara reveals that mitzvos have two dimensions: fulfilling the obligation and achieving personal completion (hashlomah). Dovid identified twelve core principles that encapsulate the essential character development aspect of all mitzvos.
