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Why does the Mishna say candle lighting should be done "besoch beiso" (within the home)? The Rambam (רמב"ם) reinterprets this as a family obligation, not an individual one. True shalom bayis means perceiving the family as a unified entity where each member's accomplishments belong to everyone—the key to preventing jealousy among siblings.
This shiur explores the profound meaning of lighting Shabbos (שבת) candles and its role in creating family unity, weaving together themes from Parshas Shemos and fundamental insights into human nature and jealousy. Rabbi Zweig begins with the Mishna in Shabbos that discusses three things a person must say on Erev Shabbos "besoch beiso" (within his home): checking that tithes were taken, that eruvin were made, and that candles should be lit. The unusual phrase "besoch beiso" attracts attention. The Rambam (רמב"ם), in his Mishneh Torah (תורה), translates this not as speaking to one's wife, but as speaking to "bnei beiso"—the household, the family. This transforms candle lighting from an individual obligation into a family responsibility. According to the Rambam, the mitzvah (מצוה) is designed to create a feeling of family, not merely to provide light or prevent arguments.
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Shemos (Burning Bush), Mishnah Shabbos (candle lighting)
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