No community start suggestion yet.
Why can hidur mitzvah (מצוה) by Chanukah (חנוכה) cost far more than the usual one-third limit that applies to other mitzvos? The shiur distinguishes between two types of hidur mitzvah: aesthetic beautification (limited by shlish) and adding substantive dimensions to the mitzvah itself. Multiple Chanukah candles don't just beautify but enhance pirsumei nisa by publicizing how many people were saved.
Rabbi Zweig analyzes Shabbos (שבת) 22b regarding the laws of Chanukah (חנוכה) lighting, specifically focusing on the concept of hidur mitzvah (מצוה) (beautifying a mitzvah). He begins by reviewing the debate between Rashi (רש"י) and the Rambam (רמב"ם) regarding ner ish u'beiso - whether Chanukah lighting is an obligation on individuals (Rashi) or on the household (Rambam). This leads to different understandings of hidur mitzvah. The central thesis is that hidur mitzvah has two distinct categories. The first type involves beautifying a mitzvah physically or aesthetically, which is limited by the principle that one should not spend more than a third (shlish) beyond the basic mitzvah cost. The second type involves adding substantive dimensions or meaning to the mitzvah itself.
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 22b
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.
