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Is making a bracha before eating a Torah (תורה) requirement or Rabbinical institution? The shiur distinguishes between two components: the Torah-level prohibition against eating without permission (based on the Gemara (גמרא)'s principle that eating without blessing is theft), and the specific obligation to recite formatted blessings, which is d'rabbanan with an asmachta from pesukim.
This shiur analyzes a fundamental dispute in Masechta Berachos regarding the nature of blessings before eating. Rabbi Zweig explores whether making a bracha before eating is a Torah (תורה) requirement (d'oraisa) or Rabbinical institution (d'rabbanan). The discussion centers on the Gemara (גמרא)'s principle that eating without a blessing is tantamount to theft (gazlan), suggesting a Torah-level prohibition. The shiur examines the concept of safek bracha l'kula versus l'chumra, analyzing when we are lenient or stringent regarding doubtful blessings. The Rif and other Rishonim are quoted regarding cases where one intended to make one blessing but ended up needing another. Rabbi Zweig discusses the fundamental principle from the Maharsha that for birkot hamitzvah the rule is to make the blessing, while for birkot hanehenin the rule is not to make it when in doubt.
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Berachos 35a
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