[Par-reg] Ki- Teyze - shiur #1

Wed Aug 22 06:07:59 EDT 2007

*************************************************************
        THE TANACH STUDY CENTER [http://www.tanach.org]
  In Memory of Rabbi Abraham Leibtag
 Shiurim in Chumash & Navi by Menachem Leibtag
*************************************************************

PARSHAT KI-TEYZE

PART I - QUESTIONS FOR THE 'SHABBOS TABLE'

REWARD FOR MITZVOT & "kan tzipor"
1.  Review 22:6-7, noting how the Torah promises a 'double reward' for
fulfilling the mitzvah of "shiluach ha'ken" - both "l'maan yitav lach"
[so that you will fare well] and "v'haarachta yamim" [and have a long
life].
 Are you familiar with any other specific mitzvah where the Torah
promises this type of reward?
[In case you forgot, see Devarim 5:16 - noting the almost identical
wording!]

 In general, does the Torah usually promise any type of reward for
performing specific mitzvot?
 In contrast, does the Torah ever promise reward for keeping ALL of
God's mitzvot? If so, bring examples.
[In case you 'forgot', see Shmot 23:20-24, Vayikra 26:3-16, Devarim
7:12-16, 8:19-20, 11:22-25, 28:1-16 etc.]

     In you opinion, in the above examples when the Torah does promise
reward, are those promises given to the individual or to the nation?

2.  Review 5:28 thru 6:3, noting how Moshe Rabeinu not only introduces
the mitzvot that he is about to teach, but also makes some promises to
the nation regarding their reward should they keep these mitzvot.  As
you review these psukim, can you find any textual parallels to 22:7
and 5:16?
 Similarly, review 4:40, noting how this is the final line of Moshe
Rabeinu's first speech in Sefer Devarim.  What type of reward does
this pasuk promise for keeping God's commandments?  
 Again, did you notice any textual parallel with 5:16?
 Review once again 4:40, 5:16, 5:30, 6:2-3, and 22:7, noting how they
all mention rewards of "arichut yamim" and "tov".  Can you explain
why, and how all of these psukim are connected?

3. Review 5:16 once again.  Considering that this mitzvah is part of
the Ten Commandments (and closes the first five, and is also the last
"mitzvat asey"), could it be that the reward promised in 5:16 is not
only for the mitzvah of 'honoring parents', but may be for keeping the
entire covenant that comes with the Ten Commandments (see Devarim
5:1-2).
 Based on 4:40, 5:30 and 6:2-3, would it seem that Moshe Rabeinu
understood the reward promised in 5:16 as relating not only to the
mitzvah of "kibud horim" - but to the entire set of mitzvot that come
with the covenant at Har Sinai?
 If so, can suggest a reason for why the Torah chose to 'tack' this
statement concerning reward specifically together with the Fifth
Commandment?

4. Review the following sources in Sefer Devarim where Moshe Rabeinu
promises reward in general for keeping all of God's mitzvot:: 6:17-18,
6:24,  7:10-11,10:13, 11:22-28!, 12:28, 13:18-19, and 25:15.  Note how
often this concept of 'reward to the entire nation for keeping all of
the mitzvot' is repeated!
 How would this concept relate to the mitzvot of "brit Sinai" in Sefer
Devarim (see 5:1-2) and their purpose, as defined in Shmot 19:5-6 and
Devarim 4:5-8!

5. In light of the above questions (and sources), could one consider
the phrase "l'maan yitav lach v'haarachta yamim" in 22:7 - as not
necessarily a promise of reward to the individual who may fulfill the
specific mitzvah of "shiluach ha'ken", but rather as another 'refrain'
promising reward to the entire nation for keeping all of the mitzvot -
tacked on to this mitzvah.
 Note a similar example in Devarim 12:25 (in the context of the
mitzvah not to eat blood), which seems to me more of general promise
'tacked on' to a specific mitzvah (note 12:25 in relation to 12:28!)

6. How is the mitzvah of "shiluach ha'ken" (22:6-7) thematically
related to the mitzvah of "kibbud horim" (5:16)?
[In case you didn't 'catch on', in your answer, relate to the
connection between children and parents!]
Relate this thematic connection to the fact that both mitzvot promise
the same type of reward.
 Relate this thematic connection to Devarim 14:1-2, noting how 14:2
relates to Shmot 19:5-6 and brit Sinai!
 In your opinion, how does the mitzvah to honor one's parents relate
the understanding of one's relationship with God?  [See Ramban on
Shmot 20:12, where he explains the deeper meaning of this mitzvah.]
 Finally, note how 22:6 is the first mitzvah of a "parshia pe'tucha"
that continues all the way until 25:16 (i.e. the next petucha is not
until 25:17).  Note how the mitzvot in 25:13-16 also promise a similar
reward.  Based on the above questions, would you understand the reward
promised in 25:15 as general or specific?  If general, can you explain
why it is attached to the mitzvah to keep fair 'weights and measures'?

7. In regard to the promise of reward for the entire nation, as
opposed to reward for the individual - relate this concept to the fact
that "brit Sinai" was a covenant between God and a nation (see
19:3-6), and to how the mitzvot of Sefer Devarim relate to that
covenant!

FOR MEN or FOR WOMEN
1.  Review the laws of "eshet y'fat toar" as detailed in the beginning
of the Parsha Ki-teyze (Devarim 21:10-14).  In your opinion, are the
purpose of these laws to protect the man (from marrying someone he
shouldn't), or to protect the feelings and emotions of the captive
women. 
     As you review these psukim, notice how either understanding would
affect the interpretation of each pasuk. 
[For example, does the phrase "v'asta et tziporneha" - and she should
'do her nails'  (see 21:12) - imply that she should cut them or let
them grow? And why must she not wear the clothing that she was taken
captive in (see 21:13)?]

     In your opinion, how do these laws relate to the fact that this
captive female may become his permanent wife?

2. For examples of each approach, first see Rashi 21:11, and then
carefully study the entire Ibn Ezra on 21:12-13, noting how his
interpretation reflects both of the above directions. See also Ramban
& Chizkuni! 
      [See also Rambam in Moreh Nevuchim III /41.]

3. Review the last pasuk of this section, i.e. 21:14, especially the
final clause ["lo titamer bah..."]. Which of the two directions of
interpretation (above) does this pasuk support?  What is the logic
behind this law?  [Note the translations and the commentators on this
pasuk.]

4. If you have additional time, be sure to see Ramban on 21:12-13,
it's quite lengthy, but very worthwhile to study.  Note how Ramban
discusses both directions discussed above, and relates this as well
the argument in Sifri between R. Akiva and R. Eliezer in regard to the
meaning of "doing her nails" ["v'asta et tziporneha"].
 In your opinion, which of these two directions reflects a more
'humanistic' approach?

5.  Finally, note the underlying topic of 21:1-9 (the laws of "egla
arufa") that precede the topic of "y'fat toar", and the 21:15-17 (the
laws relating the rights of the child from the 'unloved wife').  Do
these two topics share anything in common with the laws of "y'fat
toar"?  Relate your answer to the above questions.

TZEKDAKA
1. How would you translate the word "TZEDAKA"?
[Was your answer 'charity'? If so, can you suggest any other possible
meaning?]
 What is the Hebrew "shoresh" [root] of this word, and what does it
mean?

2.  Now, read Devarim 25:13-16, noting 25:15 "even shelayma
v'TZEDEK...". How would you translate the word "tzedek" in this
sentence? Is it the same as above?
 Can you recall any other similar uses of the word "tzedek"?
[For example, relate to Breishit 38:26, Yirmiyahu 22:1-3,15-16; and
Shmuel Aleph 12:7.]

3. Next, read Breishit 18:18-19. How would you translate "tzedaka" in
this sentence?  [See commentators!]
 How would your translate the word "tzadik"?
 Relate to e.g. Breishit 6:9; 18:23-25, Devarim 32:4.
 How does this word "tzadik" relate to "tzedek" & "tzedaka"?

4.  Based on the above, can you explain why we refer to charity as
"tzedaka"?! Attempt to relate your answer to Devarim 8:11-18!

KOSHER 'AFFAIRS'?
1. Read 24:1-4 regarding the laws of a Jewish divorce. Can you explain
why the Torah prohibits the husband to re-marry his first wife ONLY
once she has been married (in the interim) to someone else? [Had this
been permitted, can you identify a potential halachik 'loophole'?]
 Use this to explain why the Torah refers to this in 24:4 as a
potential "toeyvah lifnei Hashem..." !
 [Use this as well to explain the phrase "v'lo tachtee et
 ha'aretz..." in 24:4.]

BETWEEN MISHPATIM & KI-TEYZE
1.  Quickly review Shmot chapters 21 thru 23, noting the similarities
(and differences) between that unit and the laws in Parshat Ki-teyze.
Can you explain why they are similar?
Compare, for example:
      Shmot 23:24-26 with Devarim 24:10-15 & 23:20-21
      Shmot 23:4-6   with Devarim 22:1-3.

 Would you say that Ki-teyze is a 'repetition' of the laws in Parshat
Mishpatim or an 'expansion' upon them?  Explain your answer.

2. Are there other mitzvot in Parshat Mishpatim that are 'expanded'
upon in other Parshiot in Sefer Devarim, or for that matter anywhere
else in Chumash? If so, where?
      Compare, for example, Shmot 23:14 -17 with Devarim chapter 16,
and Shmot 23:10-11 with Devarim 15:1-7 & Vayikra 25!  Can you find the
parallels to Shmot 23:28-29?
Are there any parallels to Shmot 21:12-22:15?
 If so, where? 
 If not, can you explain why not?

3. Are there other mitzvot in Parshat Ki-teyze that had been mentioned
earlier in Chumash in a Parsha other than Mishpatim?
 If so, where?
 [Note for example 25:15; compare Vayikra 19:36.]
 Based on our previous shiurim (on Parshat Mishpatim & the intro to
Sefer Devarim), can you explain the reason for this?
 Relate this as well to Devarim 16:20.

PART IIa - QUESTIONS FOR PREPARATION (for shiur #1)
1. Recall that the CHUKIM & MISHPATIM section of Sefer Devarim
(chapters 12-26) contains numerous mitzvot. Scan through the entire
section and attempt to find a correlation between the progression of
these mitzvot and the Ten Commandments.
 Note how the MITZVAH section (chapters 6-11) contains mitzvot that
are similar to the first two DIBROT.  Can you explain why?
      Note also how the topic of HA'MAKOM ASHER YIVCHAR HASHEM
L'SHAKEN SHMO SHAM relates to God's Name and the third commandment.
[Be sure that you can explain why, i.e. the connection between
desecrating His Name and making His reputation known.]
 Similarly, note that there is a group of mitzvot that relate to the
seven-year shmita cycle and the holidays that include their own cycles
of seven.
 Recall also from last week the set of mitzvot that discussed the
leadership of Am Yisrael (and hence leaders who should be 'honored').
 Finally, pay attention to which groups of mitzvot focus primarily on
mitzvot "bein adam la'Makom" and which focus on "bein adam l'chaveiro"
[between man & God; between man and fellow man].
 Use these 'hints' to help you answer this question.

2. There are two other Parshiot in Chumash where we find a similar
collection of a wide range of assorted mitzvot - in Parshat Mishpatim
(Shmot 21-23) & in Parshat Kedoshim (Vayikra 19).
 Scan those Parshiot and see if you can identify within them a
progression of mitzvot similar to the progression in the Ten
Commandments.

3. Review Devarim 5:1-7, i.e. the intro to the main speech in 5:1, the
topic of "brit Sinai" in 5:2-3, and the presentation of the Dibrot (in
5:6-18) followed by the story of how the laws of Sefer Devarim were
first given (in 5:20-6:1).  
      Can you explain how this background may relate to the parallel
between the Ten Commandments and the laws in the main speech in Sefer
Devarim?

4. In your opinion, does the progression of mitzvot in chapters 22
thru 25 follow a logical order, or do they appear to be a random
collection? Support your answer. Note the commentary of Ibn Ezra on
this section, and his attempts to show the thematic connection from
one section to the next.

PART IIb - Questions on PARSHANUT for Shiur #2
1. Read 24:8-9. Recall that the detailed laws of "tzaraat" are first
presented in Sefer Vayikra.
 Are there any other similar mitzvot from Sefer Vayikra that are
either repeated or summarized in Parshat Ki-teyze (or for that matter
anywhere in Sefer Devarim)? 
 Now, note the nature of the mitzvot that immediately follow the
mention of "tzaraat" in 24:10-22 (i.e. mitzvot which are "bein adam
la'makom" - between fellow men).
 Based on this 'juxtaposition', what can be deduced in regard to the
cause of "tzaraat"? 

2.  Now see Rashi on 24:8 [He quotes the Gemara in Makkot 22b.] In
your opinion, is this Midrash Halacha the simple pshat of this pasuk?
[In other words, is the warning of 24:8 general or
specific?]
 If one does hold that this Midrash is not the simple pshat, would
that make the Midrash Halacha incorrect?
      Base your answer on the nature of Midrashei Halacha.

3.  Now see Rashi on 24:9. How does this relate to your answer to
question #1 above?  
     Next, see Ibn Ezra on 24:9!   Why is Ibn Ezra noting that this
pasuk proves a "drash"?   According to Rashi, how closely are psukim 8
& 9 connected?

4. Next, see Rashbam on 24:8-9! [See also Chizkuni, noting how they
are very similar.]
 In what manner is his pirush to 24:8 different than Rashi's?
In your opinion, is Rashbam's pirush closer to the simple pshat? 
 [Is this usually the case in Rashbam?]
Now, note how 'elegantly' Rashbam explains 24:9 and its connection to
24:8! How (and why) is this different from Rashi's explanation for the
connection between these two psukim? 

5. See Ramban on 24:8.
 How does Ramban explain the fact that a law from Vayikra is being
repeated in Devarim?
 How does he explain why the other laws about "tzaraat" are not
repeated here? [Relate to his introduction to Sefer Devarim.]
 Why do you think that this specific law which Chazal learn in the
Midrash Halacha from this pasuk relates to what a PERSON in Am Yisrael
must be careful not to do, and NOT a warning for KOHANIM to be careful
in their dealing with a "metzora"?
  [Relate to your answer in question #1 above.]
     See Ramban 24:9. On what point does Ramban disagree with Rashi?
Can you explain why?
 How does Ramban prove his point from similar uses of "zchor" in other
mitzvot in Chumash?
 In what manner is Ramban's approach here very different than Rashi's?
In what manner is it similar?

6.  Be sure to read Ramban on 24:9 until the very end!
 Why would you say that it is important for everyone [students AND
teachers] to study this Ramban?  [Why do you think that this Ramban is
not as popular as it should be?]

PART III - PARSHANUT 
AMON & MOAV - WHAT DID THEY DO?
1.  Review 23:4-7, noting the two reasons that the Torah gives for the
prohibition against marrying someone from the nations of Amon & Moav.
[Note as well the general context in 23:1-9.)
 In your opinion, do these two reasons apply to both nations, or do
some reasons only apply to one nation.  [Base your answer on what you
remember.]
     Next, review Bamidbar 22:2-7 and Devarim 2:1-30. Based on those
details, answer the above question once again!

2. First see Seforno on 23:5-7.  Can you explain why he makes this
distinction between Moav & Amon?  Then, see Ramban on 23:5, noting how
he deals with the above questions (and sources).   It's a lengthy
Ramban, as he first quotes Ibn Ezra's commentary, but its worthwhile
studying in its entirety.

IBN EZRA vs. THE KARITES
1. The logic of the juxtaposition of the first three parshiot (even
though they are comprise three totally different laws) in Parshat
Ki-teyze is well known (see Rashi 21:11). Note also the Ibn Ezra on
21:20 (the last two lines).  This style, better known as "smichut
parshiot", continues throughout Parshat Ki-teyze. If you have the
time, I recommend that you scan the Ibn Ezra on the entire Parsha,
noting how many times he explains the reason in many instances for
"smichut parshiot", i.e. the reason why one mitzvah follows from the
next. Many of his explanations are very interesting and very creative.
 See for example: 21:10, 22:6, 22:8, 22:9, 22:12 & 13 [Note here how
he takes issue with the Karites (Ibn Ezra calls them "mak'chishim" -
those who deny, i.e. they didn't accept or follow the Oral Tradition
of Chazal). 
     Note how Ibn Ezra quite often quotes their opinion, and then
explains why he disagrees. Can you appreciate why davka the Ibn Ezra
finds it important to argue with them? How does this relate to his own
approach to "parshanut"? See especially Ibn Ezra on 24:6 as well as on
22:12!]
     See also Ibn Ezra 23:16, 23:18, 23:22, 23:25 and 24:6

PROTECTING NATURE?
2. In 22:10, the Torah forbids us to plow a field with a ox and donkey
together. Can you think of any logic behind this law?
 See Rashi, who extends this law to any two 'pairs' of animals. Based
on this pirush, what is the reason for this prohibition? How does it
relate to the laws in 22:9 and 22:11?
 Next, see Ibn Ezra on 22:10. How is his pirush different? What is the
reason for this prohibition according to his pirush?
     Next, see Ramban. Is his pirush similar to Rashi or Ibn Ezra? In
your opinion, why does Ramban quote the psukim from Vayikra 19:19?
     Finally, see Chizkuni on 22:10. Note how his pirush expands upon
Ibn Ezra's explanation. Can you explain why Chizkuni offers two
explanations, and what is the difference between them?
 Note how Chizkuni concludes with Chazal's interpretation. Can you
explain why he does there after he explains "pshat"?

CASE LAW
3. Note Ramban's statement in 21:11 - "diber ha'katuv b'hoveh". This
phrase is used quite often to explain why the Torah often presents a
certain law by stating only a 'typical' case, but the law itself is
much more comprehensive.  Note for example the law of "kilaim" in
22:10-11, and the above question. The classic example would probably
be Devarim 14:21.
 Can you explain how this style of 'law presentation' can help us
better understand the relationship between Torah sh'ball peh and Torah
sh'bktav - the Written law and the Oral law?
    b'hatzlacha,
    menachem

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