No community start suggestion yet.
What does the opening of Shir HaShirim mean by requesting divine 'kisses of His mouth'? Rashi (רש"י)'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 (תורה) only through Moshe.
This shiur provides an in-depth analysis of the opening verses of Shir HaShirim (Song of Songs), beginning with Rashi (רש"י)'s interpretation that 'asher l'Shlomo' refers not to King Shlomo but to God, 'the King whose peace is His.' The lecture explores the concept of 'Shir HaShirim' as the greatest of all songs, parallel to how 'Kodesh Kodashim' represents the holiest place. The main focus centers on understanding the verse 'yishakeini mineshikot pihu' (let Him kiss me with kisses of His mouth), with Rashi explaining different types of kisses - on the hand, shoulder, head, and mouth. The shiur presents an innovative interpretation of the difference between 'vayishak' (he kissed) and 'vayinashek' (he kissed and compelled a return kiss), analyzing this through the story of Yaakov kissing Rochel and Lavan's subsequent kiss of Yaakov. The lecture explains that mouth-to-mouth kissing represents the deepest spiritual connection, as it connects one soul to another through the divine breath that God breathed into man. This metaphor is applied to the giving of the Torah (תורה) at Mount Sinai, where God initially planned to speak only to Moshe directly but the Jewish people requested direct communication - 'mouth to mouth' contact. The shiur then examines 'ki tovim dodecha miyayin' (Your love is better than wine), explaining that wine symbolizes all celebration and joy in Jewish tradition, though Torah study emphasizes eating over drinking. The analysis continues with 'l'reiach shmanecha tovim' (the fragrance of Your good oils), interpreting this as a reference to God's good reputation that spread throughout the world due to His miraculous deeds in Egypt and the splitting of the Red Sea. Rashi's commentary on 'shemen turak shemecha' (poured oil is like Your name) explains that oil only releases its fragrance when poured out, symbolizing how God's reputation became known worldwide. The shiur concludes by examining how the nations came to love and fear God due to His revealed power, referencing Rachav's testimony about how all peoples heard of God's mighty acts forty years after the Exodus.
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
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.
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 1:1-3
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!
Was the Golden Calf simply idolatry, or something more specific? The shiur argues it was actually a rejection of Torah She'be'al Peh - choosing surface-level observance over deep understanding. Galus serves as the ultimate tikkun by forcing Jews to consciously seek Torah wisdom to explain their distinct practices.
