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Why does the Rambam (רמב"ם) describe arba kosos twice in consecutive halachos, and why are women obligated despite potential exemption from sippur yetzias Mitzrayim? The shiur develops a fundamental distinction: one mitzvah (מצוה) requires ceremonial recounting 'al hakos' (over wine) while a separate mitzvah requires actually drinking wine to celebrate personal freedom. This dual structure resolves multiple puzzles in Rishonim and explains why charity provides wine only for the poor man himself.
This shiur presents a fundamental analysis of the mitzvah (מצוה) of arba kosos (four cups) on Pesach (פסח) night, based on Gemara (גמרא) Pesachim 99b. Rabbi Zweig develops the thesis that there are actually two distinct mitzvos at play, building on insights from the Brisker Rav and other Rishonim. The first mitzvah (corresponding to Rambam (רמב"ם)'s Halacha (הלכה) Alef) is the obligation to recount and commemorate the story of the Exodus - a historical recounting that creates an objective commemoration of the miracles. This requires the seder to be conducted 'al hakos' (over a cup), making it a ceremonial act rather than mere personal remembrance. This is similar to kiddush on Shabbos (שבת), where we sanctify the day through words over wine.
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Pesachim 99b
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