[Avodah] Pirsumei Nisa

[kennethgmiller at juno.com]

I'd like to get to better understanding of the concept of Pirsumei Nisa. I know for example that it applies to three mitzvos: Ner Chanukah, Mikra Megillah, and Arba Kosos. I also know that it is a very important concept, so important that the usual 20% spending limit for a mitzva aseh does not apply.

What I'm not clear about is how much leeway we have for publicizing the miracle one way or another way.

For example, if someone cannot afford wine for the Arba Kosos, but he does have enough matzo, isn't that an adequate way of publicizing the miracle? Matzo very clearly commemorates both the slavery and the liberation. The four cups commemorate freedom only for those who are familiar with the drash and the pasukim, which makes it appear (to me) like a rather poor way of publicizing the miracle.

So if a person has matzo, but has no money for wine, why should he have to sell his shirt for wine? Why isn't the matza good enough?

Please note: This is not a practical question, and I'm not interested in answers along the lines of "This is the way Chazal set it up." I'm just trying to understand what Pirsumei Nisa is all about.

Akiva Miller

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