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

Wed Aug 26 11:55:30 EDT 2015

*************************************************************
        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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