Pesachim 114b: Mitzvos Tzrichos Kavanah in Maror and Karpas

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This shiur provides a detailed analysis of Pesachim 114b, focusing on the fundamental dispute regarding mitzvos tzrichos kavanah (whether mitzvos require proper intention). The discussion centers on a case where one only has maror available for karpas - must they eat it again for the mitzvah (מצוה) of maror after matzah? Rabbi Zweig explains Reish Lakish's position according to the Rashbam: if someone eats maror for karpas before its proper time (which is after matzah, based on the pasuk 'al matzos umorim yochlu'), they would be fulfilling maror prematurely (kodem zman), which is problematic. Therefore, one must hold mitzvos tzrichos kavanah - the first eating counts for nothing since it was done l'sheim karpas, allowing the second eating to properly fulfill the mitzvah l'sheim maror after matzah. The shiur then examines Tosfos's complex interpretation, which suggests there are effectively two mitzvos: eating maror generally, and eating maror specifically after matzah. According to this view, even if one fulfills the basic mitzvah of maror during karpas, they still need kavanah for the specific mitzvah of maror al haseder (in proper order after matzah). Rabbi Zweig analyzes the positions of Rav Huna and Rav Hisda regarding when to make the bracha. Rav Huna says to make borei pri ha'adamah first, then al achilas maror on the second eating. This works perfectly if mitzvos tzrichos kavanah - the first eating accomplished nothing, so the bracha is made at the proper time. Rav Hisda, however, says to make both brachos at once during karpas, suggesting he holds mitzvos ain tzrichos kavanah. The shiur critiques Tosfos's explanation of Rav Hisda's position, arguing that Tosfos's reasoning about 'achshav shemilo kreiso' (now that he has filled up) doesn't make sense. Rabbi Zweig suggests that a simpler reading is that Rav Hisda holds mitzvos ain tzrichos kavanah, meaning the person becomes yotzei the basic mitzvah of maror immediately, and therefore must make the bracha right away rather than performing a mitzvah without a bracha. Rabbi Zweig connects this to the Rambam (רמב"ם)'s psak in Hilchos Chametz U'Matzah, suggesting the Rambam follows Rav Hisda and holds mitzvos ain tzrichos kavanah. The shiur concludes by questioning several aspects of Tosfos's interpretation and offering alternative explanations for the various textual difficulties.