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Why does the Gemara (גמרא) forbid using Chanukah (חנוכה) light while also prohibiting bizuy mitzvah (מצוה)? The shiur distinguishes between the primary ner Chanukah (which is strictly asur l'hishtameish la'or) and additional candles lit for hiddur mitzvah. This explains how the Rambam (רמב"ם) can rule that all Chanukah candles are forbidden for use yet still discuss degrading the mitzvah.
This shiur presents a detailed analysis of Gemara (גמרא) Shabbos (שבת) 22a, focusing on the complex laws surrounding the use of Chanukah (חנוכה) candle light. Rabbi Zweig begins by examining a fundamental contradiction in the sugya: the Gemara states that it is forbidden to use Chanukah candles for any purpose (asur l'hishtameish la'or), yet simultaneously discusses the prohibition of bizuy mitzvah (מצוה) (degrading a mitzvah). The question arises: if one cannot use the light at all, what is the additional concern about degrading the mitzvah? The shiur explores the positions of the Baal HaMaor, Rif, and Rambam (רמב"ם), all of whom rule that Chanukah candles are asur l'hishtameish la'or while also prohibiting bizuy mitzvah. Rabbi Zweig analyzes how these seemingly contradictory rulings can be reconciled. He suggests that the prohibition of using the light applies only to the primary ner Chanukah (the one candle that fulfills the basic mitzvah each night), while the concept of bizuy mitzvah extends to the additional candles lit for hiddur mitzvah (beautification of the mitzvah).
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Shabbos 22a
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