Mishneh Torah, Negative Mitzvot 246-365

Here's a chevruta-level analysis of the Rambam's concluding remarks in Negative Mitzvot, focusing on the interplay between Bal Tosif and mitzvot derabanan.

Sugya Map

• Issue: The Halachic permissibility of Rabbinic enactments (mitzvot derabanan) in light of Bal Tosif (Devarim 13:1), which prohibits adding to mitzvot.
• Nafka Mina: The Halachic source and binding nature of mitzvot like Chanukah or Purim.
• Primary Sources: Mishneh Torah, Negative Mitzvot 365¹Mishneh Torah, Negative Mitzvot 365; Devarim 13:1²Devarim 13:1; Devarim 17:11³Devarim 17:11.

Text Snapshot

The Rambam concludes his list with "לא להוסיף על מצות התורה... ולא לגרוע ממנו"⁴Mishneh Torah, Negative Mitzvot 365. He immediately clarifies that Rabbinic mitzvot ("כמו קריאת מגילה, נר חנוכה... ועירובין ונטילת ידים")⁵Mishneh Torah, Negative Mitzvot 365 are "לא תוספת למצות התורה." He explains Bal Tosif applies only if a prophet claims God commanded a new mitzvah, not when Chazal enact takkanot to commemorate a miracle.

Readings

Rambam's Chiddush

The Rambam differentiates: Bal Tosif forbids claiming divine origin for new mitzvot. Chazal's takkanot are permitted because they don't claim direct Sinaitic command, but are binding enactments under lo tasur⁶Devarim 17:11 (obeying Sages).

Ramban's Counterpoint

The Ramban⁷Ramban al haTorah, Devarim 4:2, 13:1 broadens Bal Tosif, prohibiting any addition, even Rabbinic, if it resembles a d'Oraita mitzvah and could cause confusion.

Friction

Kushya

How do Chazal's additions, like brachot on mitzvot derabanan, not violate "לא תוסיף עליו" (Devarim 13:1)?

Terutz

The Rambam asserts Bal Tosif restricts claiming a new d'Oraita mitzvah. Chazal's takkanot (e.g., Chanukah)⁸Mishneh Torah, Negative Mitzvot 365 serve distinct purposes like "להזכיר שבחו של הקב"ה"⁹Ibid. and are fulfilled through the d'Oraita of lo tasur¹⁰Devarim 17:11.

Intertext

• Devarim 17:11: "לא תסור מן הדבר אשר יגידו לך ימין ושמאל" – the Biblical source for Chazal's authority.
• Megillah 14a: Validates Anshei Knesses HaGedolah's institution of Purim as not violating Bal Tosif.

Psak/Practice

The Rambam's framework defines Rabbinic authority. It allows Chazal to adapt and innovate within the Torah's immutable core, ensuring Jewish law's dynamism and relevance across generations, all rooted in the Biblical command of lo tasur.

Takeaway

The Rambam skillfully distinguishes Bal Tosif's scope, allowing Chazal to enact takkanot via lo tasur, preserving the Torah's divine integrity while enabling its vibrant, evolving application.