“I read the book,” is a common enough expression. But what exactly does it mean to read something. Is sight reading sufficient? For ritual responsibilities must one be audible enough to be heard, or must one actually hear?
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Quick Review:
Should be articulating and audible to self, even by Shemoneh Esrei
Machlokes if didn’t hear self by Shema. Ruling is that after the fact Yotzei if articulated.
Cases: Deaf person by bracha of Teruma, and someone who says Birchas Hamazon articulating but not audible.
Gemorah contrasts Shema and Birchas Hamazon which are Diorayso and essence of mitzvah, to other brachos (like on Terumah) which are Drabonon and not essence of mitzvah.
In case of not articulated, where Rambam holds Yotzei but other authorities say not Yotzei, Biur Halacha is willing to consider being lenient for other brachos, but says must repeat by Birchas Hamazon and by Shema.
Please define: “Diorayso.”
I do not know what this term translates into.
Thanks:)
Hi Mark! Great to hear from you.
“Diorayso” means a Mitzva of Biblical status. It is an Aramaic term meaning “Torah,” but it is commonly used to refer to a Biblical Mitzva.
The contrasting term is “Drabbanan,” or “Rabbinic,” which refers to a law which was enacted by the Rabbis over the generations.
Often the Talmud will seek to clarify why we observe a given law, because we have an obligation not to “add” to Torah, but rather to safeguard it. This obligates us to differentiate between Biblical and Rabbinic, and not just lump them together as “Jewish Law,” even though both types of laws are obligatory.
Best wishes, RMR
What does Yotzei mean?
Delightful question, Norman.
“Yotzei” means to fulfill ones obligation. Its reverse is “Not Yotzei,” meaning the obligation has not been fulfilled.
Keep up the great learning! Best, RMR