Why is there a special "mitzva" on Yom Kippur of agmas nefesh, to which end we allow kenivas yerek? I would have thought that the 5 inuyim are all that one is required to do. Should one look for other ways to pain himself?
Gershon
gershon.dubin@juno.com
It is important to note that according to the Ba'al Hamaor the Agmas Nefesh is referring to the pain one would have after Yom Kippur, as he wants to eat and does not have prepared food.
However, even according to Rashi (115a, "Mutar") the Agmas Nefesh here is not a special Mitzva of Agmas Nefesh. It is simply referring to the fact that this is not considered to be an act of preparation for the weekday, the Rabinnic prohibition of Hachanah, because the preparation of food on Yom Kippur fits into the spirit of the day. As everyone is fasting, and through that pain (and Teshuvah) receive atonement for their sins, this fits neatly into the Inuy of fasting. Rashi explains that the reason this only is permitted from Minchah and onward is because this is when people are generally their hungriest, and will certainly feel the Inuy of fasting when they are preparing food for after the fast.
Yaakov Montrose
In regard to the original question "Should one look for other ways to pain himself?", it is probably worth refering to Yoma 74b where the Gemara rejects the notion that Te'anu Es Nafshoseichem includes deliberately inducing pain and suffering on Yom Kippur (i.e. sitting in the sun or in a chilly place).
be'Kavod
Mordechai Schwimmer, Brooklyn, NY