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When may a kohen who is mechusar kipurim eat terumah — at sunset or only after bringing his korban? The Rambam (רמב"ם)'s position that eating terumah constitutes avoda reshapes the question: a mechusar kipurim can eat terumah at night, but it lacks the status of proper mitzvah (מצוה) fulfillment until after his korban.
This shiur provides a detailed examination of Berachos 4b, focusing on the complex halachic question of when a kohen who is mechusar kipurim (lacking atonement) may eat terumah. The Gemara (גמרא) discusses whether a kohen can eat at 'beis hashemesh' (sunset) or must wait until 'beis oro' (the next morning after bringing his korban). Rabbi Zweig analyzes multiple approaches to understanding this sugya, particularly focusing on Tosafos (תוספות)'s interpretation and Rabbi Akiva Eiger's novel reading. A central debate emerges around whether te'ima (casual snacking) is permitted before Krias Shema, with Rabbi Akiva Eiger arguing that Tosafos holds te'ima is forbidden, while Rabbi Zweig suggests the opposite interpretation. The shiur explores the Baal HaMa'or's question on Rashi (רש"י) regarding why the Gemara brings a proof from a Braisa rather than the more explicit Mishna about kohanim eating terumah. Rabbi Zweig presents an innovative explanation based on the Rambam (רמב"ם)'s position that eating terumah constitutes an avoda (Temple service). According to this approach, the question isn't whether the kohen is permitted to eat terumah at night, but rather whether his eating constitutes a proper fulfillment of the mitzvah (מצוה) of avoda. A mechusar kipurim can eat terumah at night, but it may not have the status of avoda until he brings his korban. This resolves various textual difficulties and explains why the Braisa uses the language 'zakai' (they merit/are entitled), indicating proper fulfillment rather than mere permission. The shiur also addresses the relationship between this halacha (הלכה) and the prohibition against eating before Krias Shema, suggesting that eating terumah as an avoda might be different from regular eating. Rabbi Zweig concludes by noting that this interpretation aligns with the Rambam's counting of eating terumah as one of the 613 mitzvos and his characterization of it as an avoda.
Berachos 4b
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