Beitzah. 16a-b.

1- Our Gemara discusses the food items one can use for Eiruv Tavshilin. Since the Eiruv obviously needs to be edible, our Gemara discusses foods which were cooked by a goy.

The example used is a food that may or may not be permitted to eat because it was cooked by a goy. For Example: ‘Salty small fish’: They can be eaten raw and they are not served at a ‘king’s table’. Thus there is no  בישול עכו”ם.

2 – The parameters of בישול עכו”ם are:

1. The item cannot be eaten raw.
2. The food needs to be of importance,  i.e. not a snack which is not served at official functions.

Such items, if cooked by a goy are considered בישול עכו”ם and prohibited.

So carrots that are consumed raw as well as cooked, are not a problem if cooked by a goy.  Also, a cup of tea is no problem since water is used even if not cooked.

We discussed the nature of foods that changed and evolved in history. Does the Halacha also change?

for example, twenty five years ago no one (sane) in the USA ate raw fish. Today, one who does not eat or at least express a liking to Sushi, iz nisht kein mentch…

Another example: Water in the Chernobyl area that was consumed only cooked after the nuclear disaster.

Does this mean that boiled water is prohibited if cooked by  a goy? At least in Chernobel?

Potatoes were not considered to be fancy dish in the past. Has it changed today?

We discussed food items that are generally “cheap foods”- non-fancy but that can be prepared in a manner that would be fit for a “king’s table”. Would that be בישול עכו”ם?

Beer drinking in a bar is very problematic. See  שו”ע יו”ד ס קי”ד

Drinking goy-brewed beer at home is ok, either because it is not considered fancy food, or because the cooked hops are ‘botel’ to the water. Ditto for coffee (see note below). Some say the Ari”zal prohibited the drinking of goy-brewed coffee.

darchei-teshuva-yd-113-2

Please note: The Ariza”l was talking only about בישול נכרי. He is machmir however most do allow since the bean is botel to the water. Ditto with beer and booze.

But even if there is no בישול נכרי  there is still the separate prohibition of drinking all types of beer in a bar or pub.

The Mechaber seems to prohibit all types of alcohol. The Ramo is lenient on booze and says that so is the Minhag.

See here. http://beta.hebrewbooks.org/tursa.aspx?a=yd_x4362

3-   We learned the Tosfos that discusses various French cakes and pastries as to what their status is in regard to בישול עכו”ם . Is cake considered a ‘bread’?  Kosher Pas Aku”m is permitted. But cake has ingredients (eggs, spices etc.) that are also cooked!

French pastries. https://www.craftsy.com/blog/2014/01/top-ten-best-french-pastries/

4- Our Gemara states that Eiruv Tavshilin needs to be at least a ‘kezayis’.

On the other hand we find a Beraisa that says that Eiruv Tavshilim has no ‘shiur’, implying that even a crumb of food is sufficient.

The Gemara answers that ‘no shiur’ means ‘shiur up’ (maximum ceiling)  meaning that you can make it as large as you wish. But not ‘shiur down’ meaning that it does have a minimum – which is a kezayis.

We mentioned the Mishna recited every day ‘The following have no shiur: Peah, Bikurim …..and Talmud Torah’.

What does ‘shiur’ mean here? Maximum, minimum or both. The obvious one of great interest is….Talmud Torah!

We know that there is no maximum one needs and can study. But is there a minimum? Perhaps not.

See here a lengthy explanation by the Tzemach Tzedek.

Beitza 15b.

1- Our Gemara states that G-D tells us that ‘“borrow money for Shabbos and Yom Tov food and I will repay you!”

Tosfos asks that we find else where where it seems that one should not go into debt for Shabbos needs. “[if one is poor] Make your Shabbos a weekday but do not come on to the favors of others”.

 

Tosfos answers that indeed, someone that has nothing should not borrow for Shabbos food.

But one who has assets that are not liquid, if he needs cash for Shabbos, he should borrow since his intention is to pay back when possible.

2- We mentioned the Sicha (LKS Vol 16 p180) of the Rebbe where he discusses this topic and how the Alter Rebbe phrases this Halacha in his Sulchan Oruch. 242,3.

The parallels of Shabbos and the Mon (manna from heaven).

 

 

Three ideas of the Mon:

• a- Reliance on the miraculous bread from heaven.
• b-  Toiling to find the Mon.
• c-  Bracha that accompanied the Mon user to recognize that all ‘bread’/Parnoso is miraculous.

Shabbos:

• a- Miraculous guarantee of the Shabbos debts to be repaid.
• b- Borrowing for Shabbos (see above, section 1).
• c- recognition that even food for weekdays is G-D given.

3- We spoke about the wonderful thought of the “Magid Reb Mendel’  that is quoted in the Toldos Yakov Yosef, the first book on Chasidus ever published (!) to reconcile the above.

[in passing we mentioned that despite the author being a senior Talmid of the Baal Shem Tov, some recent misnagdisher pseudo ‘researcher’ published an article questioning this fact]

Here it goes:

If לוו עלי  – ‘lovu olai’ – connected with me- meaning  if one’s Shabbos is to be a connection with G-D, then אני פורע –  ‘ani porea’.  He will be paid back..

But if it’s שבתך –  ‘shabatcho’ your Shabbos, i.e. an un-G-dly one,  then if so, do  not borrow…

4- We spoke about the story of the ‘old’ Tzemach Tzedek,  Reb Menachem Mendel Krochmel,  (previously ) who forbade Jews of  his town to buy fish for Shabbos after the gentile fish merchants hiked up the price to an unreasonable amount. Despite the Minhag of eating fish on Shabbos the economic plight of his congregants was of a greater concern to him.

He based his Psak on the Gemora in Krisus. We find that Rabban Gamliel ruled, when the price of fowl reach an unsustainable level, that one pigeon may be used (temporarily) by multiple people for a Korban.

The question we discussed is from our Gemara where it states that ‘the Parnasa of a person is decided on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur – except the outlays of Shabbos and Yom Tov. 

So what was the Tzemach Tzedek worried about? What not pay the exorbitant price for Shabbos fish? One will get it back anyway!

We mentioned some possible solutions.

5- We spoke about the concept in Halacha of two opposing circumstances when one does not perform a Mitzvah.

• 1-  פושע – ‘poshea’ (intentional- מזיד ‘maizid) R”L.
• 2-  אונס – ‘oines’ (unintentional- שוגג’shogeg’)

Where does forgetting fit in?

Example-

• #1- One intentionally did not Daven.
• #2- one didn’t Daven because he had an emergency.

In case #2 one can make up the Davning. In case #1 one cannot.

What if one simply forgets? is that פושע – poshea or אונס – oines?

What about ערוב תבשילין – Eiruv Tavshilin?

~ To be continued.

 

 

 

Beitza 15 a-b

1- We continued discussing the laws of Shatnez. Mentioned the Rebbe’s letter to an elementary teacher in Israel.

The class worked on an art & crafts project  and embroidered pillow covers. Upon receiving one of these items as a gift from the class the Rebbe responded by writing a letter. He thanked them and added that they should ensure that the yarn used for these projects should not contain wool and linen.

Discussed if the prohibition of Shatnez in wearing it or even producing Shatnes material.

2- We mentioned the Pri Megodim that states that although one may wear Shatnez in a  Tziztis garment  (linen cloth with wool – the Mitzvah of Tzitzis supercedes the prohibition of Shatnez) one may not do that on Shabbos. His reason being that since one cannot tie the Tzitzis strings on Shabbos then he is lacking part of the Mitzvah.

We tried to fully understand this logic.

3- The case of finding Tefilin on Shabbos on the street. Or, if one is wearing Tefilin on Friday and has not reached home yet and Shabbos approaches.

 

We will return to you Beitza Shenolda…

~~~

4- We began the new Perek that discusses the laws of Eiruv Tavshilin.

The basis of this Takana is the following:

What is the issue of cooking on Yom Tov for the following weekday or Shabbos?

One can say that it is prohibited Min Hatorah on a weekday.

But cooking for a Shabbos  that follows (not a weekday) is permitted min Hatorah since Shabbos is just an extension from the preceding Yom Tov.

The Rabonon prohibited it unless one makes an Eiruv Tavshilin. (for reason mentioned further in our Gemara)

On the other hand, one can say that cooking on Yom Tov for the following weekday or Shabbos is not prohibited Min Hatorah.

Why?

Guests may always appear and thus it would be considered that he cooked for Yom Tov.

The Rabanan prohibited it unless one makes an Eiruv Tavshilin. (for reason mentioned further in our Gemara)

5- We mentioned the Rebbe’s Sicha (16, Beshalach 4) as to when one should eat the Eiruv Tavshilin.

More to come next week.

 

 

Beitzah 14b.

1- We continued talking about the melacha of ‘borer‘ on Yom Tov.

2- We reviewed the ruling of the Alter Rebbe is his Siddur which is the basis of the custom in Chabad not to eat sunflower seeds on Shabbos.

Story of the President of Israel, Mr. Zalman Shazar who called out from his car on Shabbos to a few Lubavitcher-looking people that were chewing sunflower seeds

“hey Chabadniks! don’t you know the Alter Rebbe is machmir and we don’t eat sunflowers seeds on Shabbos…..”

3- The next Mishna moved into the sending of items through a Reshus Horabim to friends on Yom Tov.

One of the items the Mishna enumerates is sending a garment or cloth that has Kilayim which is prohibited to wear.

The Gemara takes issue with this item since the receiver can’t do anything with it so why is it permitted to send on Yom Tov?

The Gemara concludes that this Kilayim is referring to a curtain that is used as furniture and not as clothing, and thus has some practical use.

The Gemara then continues to say that one may not weave a curtain from kilayim since one may wrap himself in it! Just as we see the Halachah that a curtain is considered a keili (not part of the building structure) and can become tamei  because one may wrap himself with it.

4- Tosfos  mentions the Gemarah that the Paroches when it became tamei needed 300 Kohanin to immerse it in the Mikvah! It then states that this 300 number is an exaggeration!

We mentioned the explanation of the Gro that the number is actually accurate. The Poroches was (in Amos) 20 x 40 for a total perimeter of 120 Amos. Each Amo is 5 tefochim for a total of 600 tefochim. So, 300 Kohanim, each using his two hands (which is a tefach each) equals 600 tefochim!

5- We analyzed the Tosfos about the issue of the Paroches. The question is if the curtain in the Mishkan/Mikdosh is considered a ‘keili’ and it can become tamei or it is considered part of the structure and cannot.

6- We mentioned one of the great pre WWII European Geonim Reb Yaakov Zeev Yoskowitz who was a Ruzin/Chortkover Chosid. His magnum opus was a commentary on the Sifri– Amovuhi DeSifri.

We discussed some of the questions he writes at length about our Tosfos,  (page 197) and the letter he received from the Ragatchover on his topic. (page 2).

7-  Here is the name of the French city mentioned in the Tosfos –

Évreux

One of the baalei tosfos in that city, R Shmuel of Evreux.

 

Beitza 14a-b.

1- Our Gemara enlightens us as to the financial condition of Jews in Israel who were well to do in comparison to the Jews living in Bavel who lived in poverty. Consider: Meshulochim traveled to Israel……

This disparity manifests itself in a practical Halachah:

The rule is that crushing or chopping spices on Yom Tov is in principle permitted as long as one does the work on a limited basis; namely on a small scale for use at the next Yom Tov meal.

[Additionally, food items that lose some of their taste or aroma if they were to be ground before Yom Tov would also be permitted.]

This limits one to use a small crusher. Using a large one (although it may require less effort) is prohibited, for it is generally used for grinding large quantities for future use.

The Chachamim in Israel became aware that this leniency of using a small crusher/grinder in homes of the affluent Jews of Israel, where the kitchen staff was comprised of ‘servants’ (Jewish?), who would take the easy route by using a large grinder. The owners were obviously not aware of this.

Thus a law was passed is Israel: No crushing/grinding would be allowed, period. Neither small nor big utensils.

2- We moved on into the sugya of ‘borer‘, sifting, or choosing on Yom Tov where Beis Hillel allows the most basic ‘borer‘ – removing the bad from the good.  Beis Shamai allows only choosing the good from the bad.

3- We discussed a case of a mound of peanut shells with a peanut in this stack. According to Beish Shamai one would be allowed to pick this peanut from the mound.

Now according to Beis Hillel can one opt to remove all the shells and end up with the peanut?

To be continued next week…

4- We ended with 2 interesting explanations on a perplexing verse in Parshas Lech Lecha.

וּמַלְכִּי-צֶדֶק מֶלֶךְ שָׁלֵם הוֹצִיא לֶחֶם וָיָיִן וְהוּא כֹהֵן לְאֵל עֶלְיוֹן.

– And Malki Tzedek King of Jerusalem presented (to Avrom) [after his victory in the war against the 4 kings] bread and wine, and he [Malki Tzedek] was a Kohen of G-D.

Rashi explains that the bread and wine offered by this King  to Avrom was prophesying the future when the descendants of Avrom would bring offers of bread (Mincha) and wine in the Beis Hamikdosh.

We asked as to why the description of Malki Tzedek – King of Jerusalem and him being a Kohen –  is interrupted by the act of bringing bread and wine?

A-The wine offering, which was poured into a crevice at the foot of the Mizbeach, was poured in its entirety.

On the other hand, a Mincha was only partly placed on the Mizbeach [the Kmitza] and the balance eaten by the Kohanim. So in a sense the wine offering is superior to the Mincha.

So why why is the bread (Mincha) mentioned first?

The answer is that a Mincha that is brought by a Kohen is completely  placed and burned on the Mizbeach. No portion of it is eaten. Such a Mincha is equal to a wine offering.

So the end of the verse ‘and he [Malki Tzedek] was a Kohen of G-D’ is an explanation as to why the order is bread and then wine!

Here is how to read it now:

And Malki Tzedek King of Jerusalem presented to Avrom bread and wine, [why do we not mention the wine before the bread, because] and he [Malki Tzedek] was a Kohen of G-D.

2- This symbol of the bread and wine alluding to the descendants of Avrom that would bring offers of bread (Mincha) and wine in the Beis Hamikdosh is a bit problematic. If Avrom himself would be the Kohen he would be prohibited from working there since all warriors  are perhaps prohibited from from doing any Avodah! This applies even killers BeShogeg.

Just as we find in regards to ‘du’chening’. A Kohen that caused a death, even unintentionally, is prohibited form blessing others. See here  s50.  See there if Teshuva helps to clear this issue.

We also mentioned the famous Takono by Rabeinu Gershon, Meor Hagola allowing Kohanim who had recanted their conversion to  ‘Duchen’.  See there s51.

So what is Malki Tzedek trying to tell Avrom? Your children can do the Avoda and not you????

Tosfos states that there is perhaps a way to allow a Kohen who took a life away to do the Avoda if he is the only Kohen around. If we were to not allow him, then the Avoda would not be performed. So Avrom could in theory be allowed to do the Avoda since at that time he was the only Jew and…..Kohen.

But that would be a cynical compliment- ‘Avrom, you can be a Kohen only when there is no one else’…….

So the Torah states, after the compliment given to Avrom (alluded to by the bread and wine), that Malki Tzedek himself was a Kohen! So now we have two Kohanim and nevertheless Avrom would be allowed to do the Avoda. (as an exception?)

Here is how to read it now:

And Malki Tzedek King of Jerusalem presented to Avrom bread and wine, [alluding that Avrom, despite being a warrior, can indeed be a Kohen, and not only as a last resort because there was no other Kohen. There was another Kohen, since] he [Malki Tzedek] was a Kohen of G-D.

 

Beitzah 13,a

1- We gave a general overview of the basic premise of which melachos are permitted on Yom Tov.

See here where we spoke briefly about this.

The parameters:

A- On Yom Tov no melacha can be performed. The definition of a melacha is one of the 39 melachos that are prohibited on Shabbos.

B- The exception are melachos that are associated with the preparation of food.

The issue: Are all of the 39 melachos permitted when associated with the preparation of food?

There are a few opinions of this topic.

A- Rashi (23b) & Rambam (YT 1,5) . (23b) Any melacha which can be done before Yom Tov is not permitted to be done on Yom Tov. Such as harvesting, fishing, picking fruit.

B- Tosfos. (3a) Quotes a Yerushalmi which says that since the exception to food preparation (b above) is juxtaposed to the Mitzvah of ‘watching the Matzos’ (preventing them from becoming Chametz which commences at the time of kneading the dough), the Torah means to say that only melachos that begin at a stage of ‘kneading’ are permitted. Thus, harvesting, fishing, fruit picking, grinding are  prohibited Min Hatorah.

c- Other Rishonim. A melacha that is performed in bulk: Meaning that the work is not only in preparation for the food to be eaten on Yom Tov but also for the days following.

See Alter Rebbe where he combines a & c.

2- Our Mishna discusses the grinding of spices and salt. We discussed the opinions of Beis Shamai and Beis Hillel.

3- We reviewed the Tosfos that quotes the two opinions about grinding on Yom Tov and the poetic and rhyming conclusion.

4- We mentioned the wonderful idea of the Maggid from Amsterdam regarding the saying of Rava that ‘wine and spices makes one smart’.

Whereas while grinding spices is it advantageous to talk (as we say say daily ‘keshe hu shochek omer hodek heitev’) while handling wine the opposite is true. Remaining silent is beneficial to the quality of the wine.

A person needs to know that being smart is to know when to speak and when to keep quiet…..

 

 

 

 

Beitza 13a-b.

1- Much ground covered concerning the laws of Truma and Ma’aser.

2- We discussed the question posed by Reb Yosef Engel regarding Mitzvos that need to be performed in a particular order. A before B.

For example:  The requirement of giving Truma before Ma’aser. One who gives Ma’aser to the Levi prior to the giving of Truma to the Kohen trangresses a ‘Lav’  in addition to not being observing the ‘Ese’ of doing these thing in proper order.

So Reb Yosef Engel queries, if one does both at the same time did he do it right. In our example: He figures out a way to give Truma and Ma’aser simultaneously.

On one hand, he didn’t transgress by giving  Ma’aser before Truma. But on the other hand, he didn’t give the Truma before giving Ma’aser.

In other words – If A needs to precede B. What is crucial?

1- That A should precede B or

2-  B should not come before A.

Difference?

If #1 is true, then, in our case:  Since A- Truma was not given before B- Ma’aser, and therefore it was not done in the proscribed order, thus creating a prohibition.

If #2 is true, then, in our case: B- Ma’aser was not given before A- Truma.  So all is well.

3- Another example- Shofar blowing. We have to hear the four sounds in this particular order: Tekai, Shevorim, Trua and Tekia.

If one hears all four sounds from four Shofar blowers at once!

Let’s analyze what occurred.

He didn’t hear the numbers 2,3 and 4 before the first Tekia. So it’s not out of proper sequence. But on the other hand he didn’t hear numbers 2,3 and 4 after the first Tekia either.

And more.

4- Our Gemara mentions that Terumah can be effected ‘be’mach’shava’. Just by thinking about the amount one wants to designate as Terumah is sufficient to crate Terumah. No verbalization is needed.

 

We spent a while going over the long history of the Rebbe’s writing on this issue. His letters to his father Reb Levik. The responses of Reb Levik. The footnotes. The Rebbe’s foot note to Likutei Torah. His reference to “my notebook regarding Mach’shovo”.

 

See attached.

 

 5- We mentioned the Reb Shimshon of Coucy mentioned in Tosfos 13,a. We all grew up with the Lehman novel about the Count of Coucy and in Hebrew ‘Hasar Mi Kitzy” 

The Chida”h writes that he once saw it written that in truth this Reb Shimshon was not a count. It is just that his abbreviated name is HA”RA”SH. This word can also also mean “the pauper”. To avoid this negative connotation they switched the letters around and it became “HASAR“! Meaning the count or minister. The rest is history. 

(Note: in the Shiur of 02/09/16 we mentioned the answer of the Chida”h on why we have 2 days Rosh Chodesh).

Similarly he writes that originally Rashi whose name was Reb Shlomo was known as the R”ASH. As above, it was switched by adding a YUD, to RASHI. Perhaps the YUD was to mention his father, Reb Yitzchok. 

6- We began to study one of the Halochos of Shabbos which the Alter Rebbe placed in his Siddur. 

See attached.

Beitza 12,b.

1- We spoke about the two categories of ‘gifts to the Kohen’.

a- Terumah and Maaser.

b- Chala and Matnos Kehuna.

2- We spoke about the Trumas Hadeshen that derives from the Rashi in our Gemara that any ‘gift to the Kohen’ that remains “chulin” (category b) are not limited to be given on that particular date.

For example: Pidyon Haben: Ideally, this mitzva should be performed on the 31st day. But if the 31st day falls on a Shabbos, since the Chachomim prohibited a Pidyon Haben on Shabbos because it is similar to a business transaction, then it’s OK to push it off to Sunday.

3- We discussed the Trumas Hadeshen’s suggestion of giving the money to the Kohen on Friday with the condition that the transaction occur only on Shabbos. He strikes that idea because the Brochos are problematic:  Saying it on Shabbos defeats the purpose. One can’t say it on Friday since nothing has happened yet. To say it on Sunday is after the fact.

4- Now, this idea, is of relevance to commerce on Shabbos where the seller does nothing.

As mentioned, the Trumas Hadeshen,  the Brochos issue aside, seemed to say that there would be  nothing wrong in setting up a scenario before Shabbos that will register a business transaction on Shabbos!

Reb Akiva Eiger writes on this topic.

5- We mentioned the frum vendor, Mr. Davidson, that had the Chiclets franchise in the NYC Subways in the 50’s. He loaded the machines and people would drop pennies to buy the gum on Shabbos .

Was this “selling on Shabbos” that is strictly forbidden? Or perhaps permitted since the seller does nothing…

From Chiclets to selling on the the internet…….

Beitza 12a-b

1- We continued the sugya of Mitoch.

Spoke about the halacha follows Tosfos’ opinion that although one can perform ‘work’ not directly associated with the preparation of food (such as carrying a Lulav) nevertheless there needs to be a ‘bit of a need’ associated with Yom Tov.

 

Playing ball in a Reshus Horabim is thus permitted only because it is obviously enjoyed by the players.

Work that serves no purpose at all is Biblically prohibited.

2- We spoke about the prohibition of carrying keys. The Ramo in Shulchan Aruch states that carrying keys to alleviate the fear of loss is permitted. We discussed the Mogen Avrohom and the Taz who prohibit it, and the Alter Rebbe’s ruling that this applies only to items not used on Yom Tov. Such as keys to a safe.

House keys are not a problem.

 

3- Finishing the sugya of Mitoch we mentioned a story fascinating we once heard. Just found it on the web!

On today’s daf we find that Beis Hillel holds that since carrying is permitted for the purpose of אוכל נפש on Yom Tov, it is also permitted to carry for purposes that have nothing to do with  אוכל נפש . This principle is abbreviated as מתוך as is quoted in full above, “Since = מתוך carrying has already been permitted for the purpose of  אוכל נפש , it has been permitted for the purpose of non אוכל נפש  “.

During the last year of the life of the Chasam Sofer, zt”l, his students asked that he learn Masseches Beitzah with them. The gadol said to his students, “You must know that it is to your disadvantage that you’ve chosen that particular masechta. But seeing as it is what you all prefer and you are determined that I learn it with you, I will do so.” 

They began their study, and when they reached Beitzah 12, the daf that discusses the concept of מתוך ,the Chasam Sofer passed away and his holy soul ascended to the yeshivah shel ma’alah. His students all agreed that what had happened was alluded to in the words of Chazal in Berachos 31a: “A person should only depart from his friend while involved in “מתוך“of אל יפטור אדם מחבירו אלא :halachah הלכה דבר מתוך .Somehow, the Chasam Sofer had known that when he reached the principle of מתוך in Masseches Beitzah, he would take his leave of his students!

4- The next Mishna we began discusses the carrying on Yom Tov of the items we give to a Kohen such as Challa separated from a batter of dough and the ‘Matnot Kehuna‘ of a slaughtered animal. Namely the cheek & tongue, right front leg and the stomach.

5- Lengthy discussion as to a perplexing phenomenon as to why we rarely see the mitzvah of ‘Matnot Kehuna‘ performed nowadays despite it being plainly stated in the Shulchan Aruch that this Mitzva is mandatory Min Hatorah today!  The problem is even greater in Israel since meat slaughtered there all are in agreement that it is mandatory to gift ‘Matnot Kehuna‘to a Kohen.

Additionally, unlike Challah that only a Kohen Tahor may eat, (which is the reason we burn it nowadays), the ‘Matnot Kehuna‘ – if these parts of the animal would indeed be gifted to the Kohen, he would actually have meat on his dinner table.

We mentioned the minhag in a few rare places where they would ‘gift it to the Koshen and then buy it back for a symbolic amount‘.

See here in Hebrew.

 

Beitza 12a,

1- We continued the sugya of “mitoch’.

In the Mishnah, Beis Hillel permits carrying a child, Lulav, or Sefer Torah into Reshus ha’Rabim on Yom Tov because of the principle of “Mitoch.”

 

“Mitoch” states that since a Melachah is permitted by the Torah on Yom Tov for the sake of food preparation, that Melachah is permitted even for matters unrelated to food preparation. Beis Shamai disagrees and prohibits any Melachah unrelated to food preparation.

2- The Gemara states that shechting a korban Olah on Yom Tov (even a korban that is a chiyuv such as ‘olas re’iya’) one is chayev malkus.

We diverted to discuss the Halacha that even a non-Kohen is permitted shecht in the Beis Hamikdosh. Mentioned the Tosfos (Zevochim 31b) that takes issue with this possibility since all non-Kohanim were limited on how deep they were allowed into the ‘azoro‘-  courtyard. So those animals that needed to be shechted close to the Heichal would preclude a non-Kohen from its shechita!

Tosfos discusses the possibility of this ‘zor’ using a very long knife. We spoke about the availability of metal at that time that would not sag and the prohibition of the chalaf to go in a downward motion. Also wondered if any Rov would allow such a shechita today.

3- We spoke about the leniency of ‘mitoch‘ that allows a melacha on Yom Tov as long as there is some necessity or enjoyment that is universally accepted. That would exclude, as the Mishna states (22b), burning incense or spices on coal since it is something that is limited to the people that enjoy such scents.

4- From there we went to the “drinking tobacco” which we know as a nargila. We mentioned the Kesav Sofer who permits it although it is only enjoyed by few people nevertheless since its ultimate benefit is for health purposes using the nargila is considered universal because everyone wants to be healthy!

5- We mentioned the connection or Reb Akiva Eiger, the Chasam Sofer and their descendants to Chabad. Reb Menachem Mendel, the son of the Rebbe Maharash married a daughter or niece of the Chasam Sofer.

6- We related the mysterious and tough life of Reb Menachem Mendel, son of the Rebba Maharash, and his passing away on the island of Corsica and the Rebbe’s efforts to secretly transfer his body to Tzefas.

See here in Hebrew.

His death certificate

 

5- We began to speak about smoking on Yom Tov originally permitted as the thinking was that it had health benefits. What about today?  Many great Rabbonim prohibit it.

6- We concluded with the fascinating explanation of the Rebbe as to why the Rambam neither lists the building of the ‘Aron‘ as a mitzvah nor does he explain how to build it.

The nekudah is that since the original

‘Aron‘ was hidden under the Beis Hamikdash we therefore have 2 ‘Kodesh haKodoshims’.  One above ground as the place for ‘Aron‘ during the time of peace and one underground for the ‘Aron‘ to be hidden during the period of strife.

Thus, after the first ‘Aron‘ was constructed there would never be the possibility of the need to build a new ‘Aron‘ as the original one still exists!