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Why does the Torah (תורה) count blowing chatzotzros during wartime and for Temple service as one mitzvah (מצוה) rather than two? The shiur develops that both functions serve the same core purpose: creating community unity. Shabbos (שבת) achieves this same unifying effect naturally, which explains several puzzling halachos about shofar on Shabbos.
Rabbi Zweig explores a fundamental question raised by the Rav HaMagid: why does the Torah (תורה) count the mitzvah (מצוה) of blowing chatzotzros (silver trumpets) as a single mitzvah when it serves two seemingly distinct functions - during wartime emergencies and for Temple service on festivals. The Rambam (רמב"ם) and Chinuch both count this as one mitzvah (mitzvah 59), despite the apparent difference in purpose. The Chinuch suggests that both functions serve to enhance kavana (concentration) - helping soldiers focus during war and worshippers focus during Temple service. However, Rabbi Zweig finds this explanation problematic according to the Ramban (רמב"ן)'s principle that preparatory actions don't constitute independent mitzvos. If the trumpet blowing is merely to enhance another mitzvah, it shouldn't be counted separately.
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What is the primary purpose of the cities of refuge - protecting the accidental killer or something else? The shiur argues that creating respect for law takes precedence over providing sanctuary. True deterrence comes from recognizing the gravity of murder itself, not fear of punishment.
