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Does mitzvos ain tzrichas kavana mean no kavana is needed at all for mitzvah (מצוה) performance? The shiur develops a Rambam (רמב"ם)-based distinction: while specific kavana to fulfill the obligation isn't required, one must have awareness of performing a mitzvah act. This framework explains why eating matzah while thinking it's regular bread doesn't work, yet kaful parshiyot cases do.
This shiur presents a comprehensive analysis of the fundamental principle of mitzvos ain tzrichas kavana through the lens of Gemara (גמרא) Pesachim 114b and related sources. Rabbi Zweig begins by examining the Rambam (רמב"ם)'s rulings in Hilchos Shofar regarding one who hears shofar without proper kavana, questioning the apparent contradiction between the principle that mitzvos don't require kavana and specific cases where kavana seems necessary. The core thesis developed is that the Rambam's understanding of mitzvos ain tzrichas kavana is more nuanced than commonly assumed. According to this interpretation, the principle doesn't mean that no kavana is required whatsoever, but rather that one doesn't need specific kavana to fulfill the mitzvah (מצוה) (kavana l'yotzei). However, one must have awareness that they are performing a mitzvah act (ma'aseh mitzvah). This distinction explains various Rambam rulings, including why someone who eats matzah thinking it's regular bread on Pesach (פסח) night is not yotzei - not due to lack of kavana l'yotzei, but due to lack of awareness of performing the mitzvah.
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Pesachim 114b
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