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!