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Why does chashad apply to Chanukah (חנוכה) lighting but not to missing tefillah? The shiur reframes pirsumei nisa as a bein adam lachavero obligation - we light to enhance others' Chanukah experience. This explains why people legitimately expect our participation and why the Rambam (רמב"ם) requires spending beyond one's means.
This shiur provides an in-depth analysis of Gemara (גמרא) Shabbos (שבת) 23a, examining the laws of Chanukah (חנוכה) candle lighting and the concept of chashad (suspicion). The Gemara discusses a case where someone has courtyards on both sides of their house and the obligation to light on both sides to avoid suspicion. Rabbi Zweig addresses the Beit Yosef's challenging question about the apparent contradiction between the laws of chashad regarding Chanukah candles versus passing by a synagogue during prayer time. The Beit Yosef offers two explanations: either the severity of the transgression affects the level of suspicion, or monetary concerns make people more suspicious regarding Chanukah candles. Rabbi Zweig finds these explanations problematic when trying to reconcile them with the Gemara's derivation from the laws of peah. The shiur then explores the Rambam (רמב"ם)'s treatment of these laws, particularly his use of the term 'mitzvah (מצוה) chaviva' and the ruling that one must spend even beyond their means for Chanukah candles, selling clothing if necessary. Rabbi Zweig suggests a fundamental reinterpretation of pirsumei nisa (publicizing the miracle), arguing it's not merely about personal celebration but rather an obligation to the community - a bein adam lachavero mitzvah. According to this understanding, lighting Chanukah candles is done to enhance others' Chanukah experience and connection to the holiday. This explains why the concept of chashad applies differently here than in other contexts - because others have a legitimate expectation that you will fulfill this community obligation. The shiur concludes by examining how this understanding illuminates the Rambam's comparison to machatzit hashekel and explains the precedence of different mitzvos involving light and kiddush.
Shabbos 23a
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