We have seen a number of ways to explain the difference between lighting to remove suspicion, which does not require a brocha, and the shechita of the ben pekua, which does require a brocha.
Here are some more differences between them:
1) The brocha at the first door works for both
The Birkei Yosef and the Kreisi write that the lighting of the second door is not a separate mitzvah, and the brocha recited at the main door will work for both doors, just like we also recite a brocha on the ikar – the main part of something – which works for all the other parts.
On the other hand, shechita of a ben pekua is done separately, and does not have any other brocha to be used for it, and therefore needs its own brocha.
According to this understanding, as well, all agree that shechita of a ben pekua requires a brocha, and lighting at the second door does not require a brocha.
2) Difference between suspicion and maaris Ayin
The Kreisi adds that there is a difference between the two cases. When it comes to ben pekua, they instituted shechita to avoid chashad, because someone watching may suspect that he is eating without shechita. That is considered a full-fledged mitzvah, and a brocha is recited. However, lighting the Menorah at the other door is only to avoid maris ayin – someone looking at the door, and not seeing a menorah lit, and does need a brocha.
As the Birkei Yosef writes, this answer needs to be understood, as both cases seem to be the same, as both were instituted to remove suspicion.
3) Only to remove suspicion
The Chasan Sofer and Rav Shlom Zalman Auerbach suggest that a brocha is only recited when they instituted a mandate to perform this mitzvah, such as shechting the ben pekua. However, they never instituted a mitzvah to light the menorah, just to remove the suspicion, and if a person finds another way to remove the suspicion, that would also suffice. For example, a person can light a candle earlier in the day, which will not be a mitzvah, but will remove the suspicion, and will be sufficient. Since there is no mitzvah to light, no brocha is recited.
Summary
There is a difference between lighting to remove suspicion, which does not require a brocha, and the shechita of the ben pekua, which will require a brocha.
- The brocha recited at the main door will work for both doors, just like we recite a brocha on the ikar – the main part of something – which works for all the other parts. But shechita of a ben pekua is done separately, and therefore needs its own brocha.
- There is a difference between suspicion and maaris ayin.
- A brocha is only recited when they instituted a mandate to perform this mitzvah, such as shechting the ben pekua. But there is no mitzvah to light the second menorah, per se, just to remove the suspicion, and if a person finds another way to remove the suspicion, that would also suffice.
Rabbi Scheiner
