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What is the source for the obligation to make brachos - sevara or pasuk? The Gemara (גמרא) presents both a logical reasoning that one cannot eat without permission and the verse "Kodesh yihyu lahem" as a source for sanctification through brachos. These create a dual structure where brachos serve both as permission to eat and as a positive kiyum of hillul, with practical ramifications for when brachos must be recited.
This shiur analyzes the complex sugya in Brachos 35a regarding the source and nature of the obligation to make brachos. The discussion begins with a practical case from the Beis Yosef about teimah (tasting food while cooking) and explores whether safek brachos l'hakel or l'chumra applies, connecting to Rabbi Kiveiger's position that birkas hanehenin requires stringency because eating without a bracha is forbidden. The core analysis focuses on the Gemara (גמרא)'s progression from "lomah ko sevara" (why do we need logical reasoning) to citing the pasuk "Kodesh yihyu lahem" as a source for brachos obligations. The shiur examines whether there are two distinct aspects to brachos: (1) a sevara d'oraisa that creates an issur to eat without permission/bracha, and (2) a separate kiyum (fulfillment) aspect of bracha that constitutes a positive obligation of hillul (sanctification).
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Brachos 35a
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