No community start suggestion yet.
Does kavah zukak lo mean you must relight extinguished Chanukah (חנוכה) candles as a separate obligation, or that the original lighting was invalid? Rashi (רש"י) holds relighting is a second mitzvah (מצוה), making questionable wicks permissible on Friday since there's no Shabbos (שבת) relighting obligation. Tosafos (תוספות) argues extinguishing invalidates the original mitzvah entirely.
This shiur presents a comprehensive analysis of the Talmudic principle of 'kavah zukak lo' (if it extinguishes, he must relight it) in the context of Chanukah (חנוכה) candles, based on Masechta Shabbos (שבת) daf 21. The discussion centers on a fundamental dispute between Rashi (רש"י) and Tosafos (תוספות) regarding the nature of the obligation to relight extinguished Chanukah candles. Rashi maintains that when Chanukah candles are initially lit, the mitzvah (מצוה) is fulfilled even if they later extinguish. The requirement to relight (kavah zukak lo) represents a second, separate obligation. According to this view, the concern of 'dilma poshe v'lo mesaken lo' (perhaps he will be negligent and not fix it) applies only to this secondary obligation, not the original lighting. This interpretation explains why there would be no problem using such wicks on Friday night - since there's no obligation to relight candles on Shabbos, the secondary concern doesn't apply.
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 21a
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.