No community start suggestion yet.
Why are children exempt from Chanukah (חנוכה) candles despite having chinuch obligations in other mitzvos like megillah and matzah? The shiur analyzes the Rambam (רמב"ם)'s principle of "ner ish u'beiso" to show that when a father lights for his household, this actually fulfills everyone's personal obligation, unlike other mitzvos where children must perform independently.
This shiur provides a detailed analysis of the Rambam (רמב"ם)'s laws regarding Chanukah (חנוכה) candles, centered on daf 21b of Masechta Shabbos (שבת). The discussion begins with the Rambam's principle that 'whoever is obligated in reading the megillah is obligated in lighting Chanukah candles.' Rabbi Zweig examines several commentaries including the Magid Mishneh and Kesef Mishneh to understand why children (ketanim) are exempt from Chanukah candles despite having an obligation of chinuch in other mitzvos like megillah, matzah, and kriat shema. A key insight emerges regarding the nature of chinuch obligations. The Rambam uses the language 'chayav' for lulav, sukkah and other mitzvos when discussing children, but conspicuously omits this language for Chanukah, megillah and matzah. The Kesef Mishneh explains this indicates the obligation is on the father to educate the child, not a direct obligation on the child himself.
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 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 halacha forbid entering dangerous places if everything happens by Divine decree? The shiur examines the debate between Rashi and Tosfos on traveling at night, developing a fundamental distinction: Rashi holds one must avoid even deserved punishments that Hashem delays through mercy, while Tosfos holds the prohibition addresses self-inflicted harm through free will. This framework reveals how people rationalize self-destructive behavior as "hashgacha."
Why does the Gemara praise hospitality to scholars as a unique mitzvah rather than ordinary hachnasas orchim? The shiur distinguishes two mitzvahs: hachnasas orchim (providing for those in need) and connecting to talmidei chachamim (cleaving to God through scholars). Yisro's meal for the Jewish leaders wasn't charity—it was his way of bonding with those transformed by Torah, teaching that learning must fundamentally change who we are.
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!
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.
