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Can chachamim directly tell someone not to perform a mitzvah (מצוה)? The shiur analyzes the machlokes between Rabbeinu Yonah (who holds chachamim can only create indirect restrictions through categories like muktzeh) and the Ramban (רמב"ן) (who holds they can directly exempt from mitzvos). The analysis uses lulav on Shabbos (שבת) and Krias Shema after chatzos to demonstrate practical ramifications.
This shiur provides an extensive analysis of Masechta Berachos 2a, focusing on a fundamental question in Jewish law: Can the chachamim tell someone not to perform a mitzvah (מצוה)? The discussion centers around the debate between Rabbeinu Yonah and the Ramban (רמב"ן) regarding the nature of rabbinic restrictions on mitzvah performance. Rabbeinu Yonah poses a challenging question: How can the chachamim exempt someone from reading Shema after chatzos (midnight), when this appears to contradict the Torah (תורה) obligation? He argues that chachamim cannot directly tell someone 'don't do a mitzvah' - they can only create indirect restrictions through pre-existing categories like muktzeh or issur.
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Berachos 2a
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Should one learn Torah full-time trusting in Divine providence, or combine learning with work? The shiur distinguishes between Rabbi Shimon ben Yochai's approach of complete separation from worldly concerns versus Rabbi Shmuel's view that proper work itself becomes part of Torah. The key insight: true emunah means learning without demanding sustenance from either Hashem or community, unlike having a 'contract' expecting payment for learning.
