No community start suggestion yet.
Why must a husband say 'hadlakas haner' every Erev Shabbos (שבת) even when candles are already lit? The shiur develops the Rambam (רמב"ם)'s understanding that this creates shalom bayis through partnership, not just preventing accidents. Speaking gently ensures the wife acts from acceptance rather than coercion, recreating the harmonious male-female dynamic that righteous women restored in Egypt.
This shiur examines the Midrashic connection between the verse 'zachanu es hadaga she'achalnu b'Mitzrayim chinam' (we remember the fish we ate in Egypt) and the obligation to light Shabbos (שבת) candles. The speaker begins by questioning Rashi (רש"י)'s interpretation of the Mishna in Shabbos (23a) regarding the three things one must say on Erev Shabbos. While Rashi explains that the first two (asartem, aravtem) are questions because one might not know if they were done, but hadlakas haner is a statement since you can see if candles are lit, the speaker finds this problematic for the Rambam (רמב"ם)'s approach. According to the Rambam's methodology of learning Gemara (גמרא) like Torah (תורה) she'biksav, every word must be precise. The Mishna states 'shloshad devarim tzarich adam lomar' - three things one MUST say every Erev Shabbos, not sometimes two and sometimes three. The Rambam therefore understands that even if candles appear lit, the husband must still say 'hadlakas haner' to his wife, as this statement is integral to the proper performance of the 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!
Dedicate a Shiur in Aggadita
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
Why does tzitzis specifically require a beged (garment) and how does it equal all 613 mitzvos? The shiur develops that unlike other clothing terms, beged uniquely reveals one's essence to the world. Tzitzis transforms the wearer's fundamental identity - declaring commitment to all mitzvos makes transgression incompatible with one's redefined self.
How long must Hashem tolerate the Jewish people's rebellious behavior? A Midrash compares this to the halachic question of carrying a child holding muktze on Shabbos. The analysis reveals that rejecting Eretz Yisrael represents a deeper spiritual corruption than individual acts of avoda zara.
Shabbos 23a-34b, Sotah 11b
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!
How can tzitzis actually remind us of all 613 mitzvos and prevent sin? The shiur develops Rashi's understanding that tzitzis functions through kabbalat ol malchut shamayim - putting on God's 'uniform' with conscious acceptance of His sovereignty. This explains why the parsha emphasizes Yetziat Mitzrayim: redemption established our servant status, and tzitzis extends that recognition throughout the day.
What did Dovid mean when he reduced the 613 mitzvos to twelve principles? The Gemara reveals that mitzvos have two dimensions: fulfilling the obligation and achieving personal completion (hashlomah). Dovid identified twelve core principles that encapsulate the essential character development aspect of all mitzvos.
