No community start suggestion yet.
What exactly is the Gemara (גמרא) in Shabbos (שבת) 21b asking when it says 'Mai Chanukah (חנוכה)'? Rashi (רש"י) holds the question concerns why Chanukah appears in Megillas Taanis, establishing Hallel and Hoda'ah but not candle lighting. The Rambam (רמב"ם) reads it as establishing three unified mitzvos including hadlakas nerot, which affects whether women's special obligation extends beyond lighting to all Chanukah observances.
This shiur provides an in-depth analysis of the famous Gemara (גמרא) in Shabbos (שבת) 21b that asks "Mai Chanukah (חנוכה)" (What is Chanukah?). Rabbi Zweig explores a fundamental machlokes between Rashi (רש"י) and the Rambam (רמב"ם) regarding the scope of the Gemara's question and answer. According to Rashi's interpretation, the Gemara's question "Mai Chanukah" is not asking about lighting candles at all. Rather, the question concerns why Chanukah appears in Megillas Taanis as days when one cannot fast due to miracles that occurred. Rashi explains that the Gemara establishes Chanukah as a yom tov characterized by saying Hallel and Hoda'ah (thanksgiving in prayer), but hadlakas nerot (lighting candles) is not mentioned as part of this core definition of Chanukah. This creates what the Bach calls an incredible difficulty - how could the Gemara discussing Chanukah completely omit the lighting of candles, which seems to be the primary mitzvah (מצוה)?
Looking for the full summary?
Full access is available to members of the TUF Alumni Association or the Yam Hagadol Foundation.
Already a member? Let the admin know!
Shabbos 21b
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!
Dedicate a Shiur in Gemara
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 can Shabbos observance atone for the idolatry of Enosh's generation? The Rambam's reading shows that generation sought God through physical intermediaries rather than direct connection. Proper Shabbos observance creates authentic divine experience that naturally displaces attraction to spiritual substitutes - like tasting real coffee exposes ersatz as meaningless.
Why does the Gemara say one Shabbos protects from Amalek while two Shabboses bring redemption? The shiur applies a principle from Kiddushin about repetition changing psychology: the first time doing anything is experimental, but the second demonstrates genuine desire. True Shabbos connection with Hashem requires moving beyond spiritual curiosity to authentic internalization.
Why does the Gemara pray to be 'among those who eat three meals on Shabbos' rather than simply to fulfill the mitzvah? The shiur develops that Shabbos eating means 'tasting the day itself' - mindful appreciation that connects us to Shabbos's spiritual quality. This requires discipline and community support, with three meals corresponding to distinct phases of Shabbos time.
Why does the Gemara present a kal v'chomer for chuppah making kiddushin based on kesef not being maichel b'terumah, only to reject it? The shiur reveals that even the rejected kal v'chomer establishes a fundamental yesod: kiddushin is a kinyan for ishus (marital relationship), not merely a kinyan in hilchos kinyanim. The second kal v'chomer—from chuppah being gomeres—raises Tosafos's famous question.
Is the kesef used in kiddushin a true kinyan (acquisition), or merely a symbolic means of establishing marriage? The shiur analyzes multiple interpretations of the Gemara's derivation from ki yikach ki'ach mi'Sayeffron, exploring whether marriage constitutes ownership, and develops three fundamental approaches: (1) The Gemara proves ishus is a kinyan, (2) ishus is not a kinyan but uses kinyan-like means, or (3) ishus is a kinyan but the kesef may not be a ma'aseh kinyan. The Rambam's position—calling kesef "midivrei sofrim"—is explained as distinguishing between cross-referencing concepts versus borrowing terminology.
Why does the Mishna alternate between the language of "kinyan" (acquisition) and "kiddushin" (sanctification) when describing marriage? The shiur develops a fundamental distinction: marriage has two separate aspects—a kinyan dimension (ownership) and a kedusha dimension (sanctified relationship). Either aspect can initiate the bond, and understanding this dual nature resolves multiple textual and halachic questions throughout the sugya.
Does kiddushei shetar require a shevah pruta? The Ran presents two approaches to the Rif's position. The shiur develops the Ran's second pshat that shetar kiddushin functions as a hachnah (exchange) rather than a mere kinyan nesina. This reading has profound implications for isuri hana'ah, mechubar, and the relationship between kesef and shetar.
