[Par-reg] Ki-teze - questions for self study

Sun Aug 15 14:21:04 EDT 2010

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        THE TANACH STUDY CENTER [http://www.tanach.org]

            In Memory of Rabbi Abraham Leibtag

      Shiurim in Chumash & Navi by Menachem Leibtag

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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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