Mishneh Torah, Rest on a Holiday 4

Sugya Map: The Mechanics of Ignition

• Issue: The parameters of Hav'arah (Ignition) on Yom Tov.
• Nafka Mina: Does the prohibition stem from the labor of creating something new (Nolad) or the status of Machshirei Ochel Nefesh (preparations for food)?
• Primary Sources: Mishneh Torah, Rest on a Holiday 4:1, Beitzah 33b, Jerusalem Talmud, Beitzah 5:2.

Text Snapshot

"We may not ignite a flame from wood, from stone, or from metal... [Our Sages] permitted kindling a flame only from an existing flame." Mishneh Torah, Rest on a Holiday 4:1

Rambam’s language, lehamtzi (to invent/bring into existence), underscores the active creation of a state that did not exist before. The Maggid Mishneh defends Rambam against the Ra'avad, who argues the prohibition is due to Nolad (newly created reality).

Readings

• Rambam: Ignition is permitted only for Ochel Nefesh (food prep). Since one could have ignited a fire before the holiday, creating a new flame is a redundant labor—a breach of the "prepare beforehand" principle.
• Ra’avad: Argues from Beitzah 33b that this is Nolad. The fire literally did not exist, so it lacks the necessary pre-holiday designation (Hachanah).

Friction

Kushya: If ignition is a Machshir (preparation for food), why is it forbidden even when strictly necessary for cooking? Terutz: As Ohr Sameach (ad loc.) notes, the Torah permitted Machshirin only when the labor is not melechet machshevet—here, because the act of striking stone creates a "new" physical state, the Sages exercised their prerogative to forbid it, mirroring the stringencies applied to Muktzeh.

Psak/Practice

The Mishnah Berurah 502:4 follows the post-facto leniency: if one transgressed and lit a fire, the flame is permitted for use. However, the prohibition against extinguishing (even for food preparation, barring life-threatening danger) remains absolute.

Takeaway

The Torah permits Machshirei Ochel Nefesh, but the Sages limit this to activities that do not appear like "creating" or "manufacturing" (e.g., striking stones). When in doubt, utilize an existing flame—do not manifest a new one.