Weekly Halacha Yomit: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch

Learn the complete
Kitzur Shulchan Aruch in one year! 

Enter Your E-mail Address:
Privacy Policy

Download the Learning Calendar

Back to New Items

Daily Kitzur Limud (1)

This week's learning:

25th of Kislev

22 Dec 08

139:1 -4

26th of Kislev

23 Dec 08

139:5 -11

27th of Kislev

24 Dec 08

139:12 -19

28th of Kislev

25 Dec 08

139:20 -end

29th of Kislev

26 Dec 08

32:23 -end

30th of Kislev

27 Dec 08

33:1 -6

1st of Tevet

28 Dec 08

33:7 -end

"Baruch Hashem Yom Yomi"
Insight on this week's learning
By Daniel Cohen, Programs Director, World Mizrachi

When describing the minhag of how we light the Chanukah lights, the Kitzur says that we light in the best possible way – that "kol echad v'echad", each and every person lights their own Chanukah lights (139:6). Rav Ganzfried then goes on to explain that each person's lights should be clearly distinguished from the others (ibid), once more utilising the phrase "kol echad v'echad". The Misgeret HaShulchan, a commentary on the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch by Rav Chayim Yeshaya HaCohen, explains that when lighting, each person has to have intention that he does not fulfil the obligation of his fellow – since according to the simple law, one person only needs to light per household.

Futher on, the Kitzur describes the obligation when one is not at home (139:19). The Kitzur states that if one's wife is not lighting in his house, he should join with the ba'al habayit (head of the household) by contributing towards the expenses of the lights. However, adds the Kitzur, it is best for every person to light for himself, "kol echad". This also applies to youngsters staying in lodging. The Misgeret HaShulchan comments that if they eat with their hosts, they are exempt from lighting or contributing towards the lights, unless they want to light in the best way – everyone lighting for themselves, "kol echad".

Why does there seem to be such a great emphasis on each person lighting? If the actual law does not require it, then why is it being encouraged that "kol echad" should light even in a case such as the lodgers when they are, in fact, exempt from the obligation completely?!

During the 8 days of Chanukah, we read the portion dealing with the gifts brought by the leader of each tribe to honour the inauguration of the Mishkan (Bamidbar 7). Over the course of 88 psukim, we are told in detail the gifts of each tribe, which were all exactly identical. Not only that, but the wording used for each sacrifice is identical. We know that the Torah does not waste words, so the classic question is asked: Why is all this repetition necessary?

The Ramban explains that even though the gifts brought were all identical physically, they were materially different spiritually. Each gift was given with the unique intention, kavana, of the prince and his tribe.

I think this helps us understand why there is the stress on everyone lighting Chanukah lights for themselves. In the Kitzur (139:1) and Al Hanissim, we see that the main theme of Chanukah is that of overcoming the Greeks' wish to rid society of Judaism and we celebrate our victory by commemorating the rededication of the Temple – our spiritual focal point on Earth. When observing such an occasion, though, like at the inauguration of the Mishkan, each person has his own reaction and outpouring of emotion even when the physical manifestation of the reaction appears the same. This, I believe, may be a reason behind the Kitzur emphasising that "kol echad" should light the candles as the Misgeret HaShulchan explained; each person with his own intention. As each person lights, they have their own thoughts and ideas relating to Chanukah and the associated miracles. So we can give due importance to the individual's spiritual reaction, everyone should be encouraged to light their own lights.

If you have any comments or feedback, please email daniel@worldmizrachi.org .

Kitzur Shulchan Aruch links