Arukh HaShulchan, Orach Chaim 263:8-15

Sugya Map

• Issue: The underlying ta'am (reason) for Hadlakat Ner Shabbos.
• Nafka Mina: Whether the mitzvah primarily aims for personal enjoyment (Oneg) or the inherent honor of the day (Kavod), potentially impacting the desired nature and quality of the light.
• Primary Sources: Rambam, Hilchot Shabbos 5:1 [cited by Arukh HaShulchan, Orach Chaim 263:8]; Rashi, Shabbat 25b s.v. "דלא אתי לידי מריבה" [cited by Arukh HaShulchan, Orach Chaim 263:15]; Arukh HaShulchan, Orach Chaim 263:8-15.

Text Snapshot

The Arukh HaShulchan juxtaposes two seminal views: "רמב"ם כתב דהדלקת נר שבת אינה רשות... אלא חובה היא לאיש ולאשה שיהיה להם בבתיהם נר דלוק לשבת... והוא בכלל עונג שבת" ^[Arukh HaShulchan, Orach Chaim 263:8]. "אבל לדעת רש"י אינו משום עונג שבת אלא משום כבוד שבת" ^[Arukh HaShulchan, Orach Chaim 263:15]. The dikduk is subtle: the AHS presents Rambam's view directly, then offers Rashi's ta'am as an alternative, noting "אינו משום עונג" even if Rashi himself doesn't explicitly negate Oneg.

Readings

• Rambam: The mitzvah is fundamentally rooted in Oneg Shabbos, ensuring a pleasant, well-lit environment for meals and general enjoyment. This is so crucial that one must beg for oil ^[Arukh HaShulchan, Orach Chaim 263:8].
• Rashi: The mitzvah derives from Kavod Shabbos, providing proper illumination for an important, dignified feast, thereby honoring the sacred day ^[Arukh HaShulchan, Orach Chaim 263:15, citing Rashi, Shabbat 25b].

Friction

The core friction lies in the primary motivation: is the light for personal pleasure (Oneg) or for the כבוד (honor) due to Shabbat? The AHS highlights that while Oneg Shabbos usually doesn't warrant a bracha, ner Shabbos does, suggesting a distinct takanat Chachamim ^[Arukh HaShulchan, Orach Chaim 263:15]. Rashi's Kavod provides a specific ta'am that more readily justifies the unique bracha than the broader Oneg category alone.

Intertext

This machloket resonates with broader discussions on Shabbat observance: is the day's essence primarily about personal spiritual elevation and rest (oneg), or upholding its inherent sanctity and honor (kavod)? Consider Kiddush (a mitzvah of Kavod) vs. seudot Shabbos (a mitzvah of Oneg).

Psak/Practice

While both shitot converge on the obligation of hadlaka, the nafka mina can emerge regarding the quality of the light. Rambam might prioritize sufficient light for comfortable enjoyment, whereas Rashi might emphasize a brighter, more dignified illumination befitting the day's honor. Nevertheless, the bracha itself, as the AHS notes ^[Arukh HaShulchan, Orach Chaim 263:15], is a takanat Chachamim, largely independent of the specific ta'am.

Takeaway

The machloket between Oneg and Kavod offers two profound lenses through which to appreciate Hadlakat Ner Shabbos, underscoring its multifaceted importance beyond mere utility.