No community start suggestion yet.
Are 'asur lehenos' and 'kol haneheneh...k'ilu me'al' two distinct prohibitions or one concept expressed differently? The shiur argues they represent separate isurim: bracha rishona addresses using an object for benefit, while bracha achrona addresses having received benefit. This framework explains why safek brachos work differently for each type and resolves apparent contradictions in the Gemara (גמרא).
This shiur provides a comprehensive analysis of a complex sugya in Brachos 35a dealing with the fundamental nature of brachos and the prohibitions surrounding eating without proper blessings. Rabbi Zweig begins by examining the Kitzur Bager's position that safek brachos should be l'chumra (stringent) because of the principle 'asur lehenos ba'olam zeh belo bracha' - it is forbidden to derive benefit from this world without a bracha. The Gemara (גמרא) presents what appears to be two separate statements: 'asur lehenos ba'olam zeh belo bracha' (it is forbidden to benefit from this world without a bracha) and 'kol haneheneh min ha'olam hazeh belo bracha k'ilu me'al' (anyone who benefits from this world without a bracha is as if he committed me'ilah). Rabbi Zweig explores whether these represent two distinct prohibitions or are different expressions of the same concept.
Looking for the full summary?
Full access is available to members of the TUF Alumni Association or the Yam Hagadol Foundation.
Already a member? Let the admin know!
Dedicate a Shiur in Gemara
L'ilui nishmas a loved one. In honor of a simcha or yahrzeit. As a zechus for a refuah sheleimah. Your dedication helps carry Rabbi Zweig's Torah to learners around the world.
Up Next in this Series
Why does saying Ashrei three times daily guarantee a share in the World to Come? The verse 'umasbia l'chol chai ratzon' reveals that God provides not just sustenance but pleasure to all creation out of pure love. This recognition teaches us that even basic needs are expressions of divine chesed, creating the foundation for love-motivated service through both major and minor mitzvos.
Why does halacha forbid entering dangerous places if everything happens by Divine decree? The shiur examines the debate between Rashi and Tosfos on traveling at night, developing a fundamental distinction: Rashi holds one must avoid even deserved punishments that Hashem delays through mercy, while Tosfos holds the prohibition addresses self-inflicted harm through free will. This framework reveals how people rationalize self-destructive behavior as "hashgacha."
Why does the Gemara praise hospitality to scholars as a unique mitzvah rather than ordinary hachnasas orchim? The shiur distinguishes two mitzvahs: hachnasas orchim (providing for those in need) and connecting to talmidei chachamim (cleaving to God through scholars). Yisro's meal for the Jewish leaders wasn't charity—it was his way of bonding with those transformed by Torah, teaching that learning must fundamentally change who we are.
Brachos 35a
Looking for the full transcript?
Full access is available to members of the TUF Alumni Association or the Yam Hagadol Foundation.
Already a member? Let the admin know!
Should one learn Torah full-time trusting in Divine providence, or combine learning with work? The shiur distinguishes between Rabbi Shimon ben Yochai's approach of complete separation from worldly concerns versus Rabbi Shmuel's view that proper work itself becomes part of Torah. The key insight: true emunah means learning without demanding sustenance from either Hashem or community, unlike having a 'contract' expecting payment for learning.
