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How can we understand the three levels of Chanukah (חנוכה) lighting when the differences aren't clearly visible to observers? The shiur develops the machloket between Rashi (רש"י) and Rambam (רמב"ם) about whether the basic obligation is on the family unit or the dwelling itself. This distinction explains different customs and resolves why mahadrin involves such dramatic increases compared to typical hidur mitzvah (מצוה).
This shiur provides an in-depth analysis of Shabbos (שבת) 21a, focusing on the Gemara (גמרא)'s discussion of Chanukah (חנוכה) lighting requirements. Rabbi Zweig begins by examining the three levels of Chanukah observance outlined in the Gemara: the basic requirement of ner ish u'beiso (one candle per household), mahadrin (enhanced observance), and mahadrin min hamahadrin (the most enhanced level). He identifies a fundamental difficulty with Tosafos (תוספות)' interpretation, questioning how one could distinguish between different levels of observance if the lighting patterns aren't clearly recognizable to observers. The shiur then explores a crucial machloket (dispute) between Rashi (רש"י) and the Rambam (רמב"ם) regarding the basic understanding of ner ish u'beiso. Rashi interprets this as 'a man and his family' (bnei beiso), meaning the obligation is on the family unit regardless of age. The Rambam, however, reads it as 'a man for his house' (beiso), establishing it as an obligation on the physical dwelling. This leads to different understandings of who is included in the counting for mahadrin - Rashi includes all family members including minors (bnei habayis), while the Rambam limits it to adults (anashim v'nashim).
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Shabbos 21a
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