[Avodah] Shelo Asani Isha

[Yosef Gavriel Bechhofer]

On 8/25/2011 2:31 AM, Prof. Aryeh A. Frimer wrote:
> In continuation of my ongoing discussion with RYGB re' Shelo Asani Isha,
> RYGB has maintained that the Berakha is a reshut. I have maintained
> that the language of Rabbi Meir is "Hayyav", hence the berakha is
> obligatory. I've just noted that both the Tur and Shulhan Aukh use
> the language "Tsarikh" (needs to). Most Rishonim merely quote the
> Gemara as is, but the Meiri, Berakhot 60b, s.v. Berakhot, does not -
> yet he too uses the word Hayyav.

I am surprised at RAAF's assumption that the word "chayav" is to be
understood in a fundamentalist manner.

What about:
    Chayav inish l'besumei b'Puriya?
    Chayav adam l'hakbil pnei rabbo b'regel?
    Chayav adam l'hasi bno katan? (Mechilta Mishpatim)
    Chayav adam lomar b'lashon rabbo?
    Chayav adam lomar b'atishaso [sneezing]: Chayim? (Pirkei d'R' Eliezer
    52)
    Chayav adam lachlok kavod la'malchus? (Mechilta Bo)
    Chayav adam l'mashmesh b'tefillin kol sha'ah v'sha'ah?

There are more, see Michlol HaMa'amarim V'Ha'Pisgamim vol. 2 pp.
684-685.

KT,
YGB