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How can Kriat Shema be recited in any language yet still fulfill the biblical obligation? The shiur develops Rashi (רש"י)'s position that 'b'chol lashon' doesn't permit independent foreign languages but requires them to function as pirush of Hebrew. This creates a fundamental distinction between Torah (תורה)-text recitation and interpersonal halachic acts like kiddushin.
The shiur analyzes a fundamental debate in Berachos 13a regarding the requirement to recite Kriat Shema in any language (b'chol lashon sh'atah shomeia). Rabbi Zweig examines the Rambam (רמב"ם)'s position that one needs kavana (intention) and explores the Bach's view that this is only a din d'rabbanan versus the Mishnah (משנה) Berurah's position that it's d'oraita. A central question emerges: if it's d'rabbanan, how can one fulfill the biblical obligation of Kriat Shema? The shiur presents an innovative interpretation of Rashi (רש"י)'s commentary on the Gemara (גמרא)'s statement 'tarti shma mina' - that from the pasuk of Shema we derive both that it can be said in any language and that one must hear oneself speak (shmia l'aznav). Rabbi Zweig suggests that Rashi understands 'b'chol lashon sh'atah shomeia' not as permitting independent foreign languages, but rather as teaching that other languages work only as explanations (pirush) of Hebrew. This differs from the Tosafos (תוספות) view that limits it to the seventy languages in which the Torah (תורה) was given. The analysis extends to practical applications, such as whether one can recite Shema in Spanish while in France. The shiur contrasts this with the laws of kiddushin (marriage), where the Gemara requires the language to be understood in that specific locale. Rabbi Zweig proposes that there are two different types of 'b'chol lashon' - one for Torah texts (like Kriat Shema) where other languages serve as pirush of Hebrew, and another for interpersonal halachic acts (like nedarim or kiddushin) where true linguistic communication is required. This distinction resolves apparent contradictions between different areas of halacha (הלכה) regarding language requirements.
Berachos 13a
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