Bal Yeiraeh UBal Yimatzei - Two Types of Bitul Chametz

Full Summary

This shiur presents an in-depth analysis of Pesachim 6b and the Rambam (רמב"ם)'s laws of bitul chametz, revealing a fundamental distinction between two types of bitul. Rabbi Zweig examines the Rambam in Hilchos Chametz UMatzah, specifically halachos 7 and 8, demonstrating how they address different aspects of chametz removal. In halachah 7, the Rambam discusses bitul for chametz that remains in one's reshus but is unseen after bedikah - this addresses the mitzvah (מצוה) of tashbisu (removal). The person performed proper bedikah and isn't over bal yeiraeh ubal yimatzei, but there may still be chametz in places not required to be checked. This bitul serves to fulfill tashbisu by effectively removing the chametz from one's reshus. In halachah 8, the Rambam addresses a different case - chametz that one knew about but forgot during the time of biur. Here the person is over bal yeiraeh ubal yimatzei because they had knowledge of the chametz. This bitul attempts to remove the personal connection (lo yeiraeh lecha). The shiur explores how the Gemara (גמרא)'s discussion of whether bitul should be done at night (with bedikah) or during the day (with biur) reflects these two different purposes. When the Gemara suggests doing bitul during biur, it's addressing tashbisu concerns, where isur hana'ah prevents effective bitul. When discussing bitul at night with bedikah, it addresses bal yeiraeh concerns, where the Torah (תורה)'s decree of 'asah Torah k'ilu bereshuso' prevents bitul from working. Rabbi Zweig analyzes the language of Perek 2, Halachah 2, showing how complete bitul must address both aspects: 'shibatel chametz belibo' (personal separation for bal yeiraeh) and ensuring chametz is considered as if not in one's reshus (for tashbisu). The shiur addresses several difficulties, including why the Gemara asks about doing bitul upon finding chametz when one would already be over bal yeiraeh, and explores the implications of this dual system for practical halachah.