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What does 'kavah zacha lo' mean when Chanukah (חנוכה) candles go out - was the original lighting valid or meaningless? Rashi (רש"י) holds the first lighting fulfilled the mitzvah (מצוה) but creates a new relighting obligation, while Tosafot argues flickering candles invalidate the entire mitzvah. This machlokes explains why Shabbos (שבת) has different concerns than weekdays for candle lighting.
This shiur provides an in-depth analysis of a complex Talmudic discussion about Chanukah (חנוכה) candle laws, focusing on the concept of 'kavah zacha lo' (if it goes out, he must relight it) and its implications for Shabbos (שבת) observance. The Gemara (גמרא) presents a fundamental question about using certain wicks and oils for Chanukah candles that might flicker or go out, requiring relighting. The main dispute centers on the interpretation of 'kavah zacha lo.' Rashi (רש"י) holds that when candles go out, the original lighting was valid and fulfilled the mitzvah (מצוה), but there is now a new obligation to relight. According to this view, the concern is only about being negligent (poshe) regarding the second lighting obligation. Tosafot disagrees, arguing that if the candles go out, the original lighting was meaningless and no mitzvah was fulfilled at all.
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Shabbos 21a-21b
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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.
