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- ב"ה - Today in Judaism - Today is Thursday, 20 Cheshvan, 5778 · November 9, 2017Torah Reading:
Chayei Sarah: Genesis 23:1-16Chayei Sarah: Genesis 23:1 Sarah lived to be 127 years old; these were the years of Sarah’s life. 2 Sarah died in Kiryat-Arba, also known as Hevron, in the land of Kena‘an; and Avraham came to mourn Sarah and weep for her. 3 Then he got up from his dead one and said to the sons of Het, 4 “I am a foreigner living as an alien with you; let me have a burial site with you, so that I can bury my dead wife.” 5 The sons of Het answered Avraham, 6 “Listen to us, my lord. You are a prince of God among us, so choose any of our tombs to bury your dead — not one of us would refuse you his tomb for burying your dead.”
7 Avraham got up, bowed before the people of the land, the sons of Het, 8 and spoke with them. “If it is your desire to help me bury my dead, then listen to me: ask ‘Efron the son of Tzochar 9 to give me the cave of Makhpelah, which he owns, the one at the end of his field. He should sell it to me in your presence at its full value; then I will have a burial site of my own.”
10 ‘Efron the Hitti was sitting among the sons of Het, and he gave Avraham his answer in the presence of the sons of Het who belonged to the ruling council of the city: 11 “No, my lord, listen to me: I’m giving you the field, with its cave — I’m giving it to you. In the presence of my people I give it to you.” 12 Avraham bowed before the people of the land 13 and spoke to ‘Efron in their hearing: “Please be good enough to listen to me. I will pay the price of the field; accept it from me, and I will bury my dead there.” 14 But ‘Efron answered Avraham, 15 “My lord, listen to me. A plot of land worth 400 silver shekels — what is that between me and you? Just bury your dead.” 16 Avraham got the point of what ‘Efron had said, so he weighed out for ‘Efron the amount of money he had specified in the presence of the sons of Het, 400 silver shekels of the weight accepted among merchants [ten pounds].
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Today in Jewish History:
• Birth of Rabbi Sholom DovBer of Lubavitch (1860)The fifth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Sholom DovBer Schneersohn (known by the acronym "Rashab"), was born on the 20th of Cheshvan of the year 5621 from creation (1860).
After the passing of his father, Rabbi Shmuel of Lubavitch, in 1882, Rabbi Sholom DovBer assumed the leadership of the movement. Over the next 38 years, he wrote and delivered some 2,000 maamarim (discourses of Chassidic teaching) including the famed hemshechim (serialized discourses) which contain his profound analytical treatment of Chabad Chassidism. In 1897, he established the Tomchei Temimimyeshivah in Lubavitch, the first institution of Jewish learning to integrate the "body" (Talmudic and legal studies) and "soul" (philosophic and mystical) of Torah into a cohesive, living whole; it was this unique form of education and Torah study that produced the "Temimim" -- the army of learned, inspired and devoted torchbearers who, in the decades to come, would literally give their lives to keep Judaism alive under Soviet rule.
In 1915 Rabbi Sholom DovBer was forced to flee Lubavitch from the advancing WWI front and settled in Rostov-on-Don in southern Russia. In his final years, he began the heroic battle -- carried on under the leadership of his son and successor, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn -- against the new Communist regime's efforts to destroy the Jewish faith. Rabbi Sholom DovBer passed away in Rostov in 1920.
Links: Want it All; To Know G-d and On Ahavat Yisrael -- two maamarim by Rabbi Sholom DovBer.
Daily Quote: The Talmud specifically derives from the Torah that, "A physician is allowed to heal." But nowhere has a doctor been given the right to determine that an ill person is incurable (Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Lubavitch (1789-1866))
Daily Torah Study:
Chumash: Chayei Sarah, 5th Portion Genesis 24:53-24:67 with Rashi
• English / Hebrew Linear Translation
• Video Class
• Daily Wisdom (short insight)
Genesis Chapter 24
53And the servant took out silver articles and golden articles and garments, and he gave [them] to Rebecca, and he gave delicacies to her brother and to her mother. נגוַיּוֹצֵ֨א הָעֶ֜בֶד כְּלֵי־כֶ֨סֶף וּכְלֵ֤י זָהָב֙ וּבְגָדִ֔ים וַיִּתֵּ֖ן לְרִבְקָ֑ה וּמִ֨גְדָּנֹ֔ת נָתַ֥ן לְאָחִ֖יהָ וּלְאִמָּֽהּ:
and… delicacies: Heb. וּמִגְדָּנוֹת. An expression of sweet fruits (מְגָדִים), for he had brought with him various kinds of fruits of the Land of Israel.
ומגדנות: לשון מגדים, שהביא עמו מיני פירות של ארץ ישראל:
54And they ate and drank, he and the men who were with him, and they lodged, and they arose in the morning, and he said, "Send me away to my master." נדוַיֹּֽאכְל֣וּ וַיִּשְׁתּ֗וּ ה֛וּא וְהָֽאֲנָשִׁ֥ים אֲשֶׁר־עִמּ֖וֹ וַיָּלִ֑ינוּ וַיָּק֣וּמוּ בַבֹּ֔קֶר וַיֹּ֖אמֶר שַׁלְּחֻ֥נִי לַֽאדֹנִֽי:
and they lodged: Wherever lodging is mentioned in Scripture, it refers to one night’s lodging.
וילינו: כל לינה שבמקרא לינת לילה אחד:
55And her brother and her mother said, "Let the maiden stay with us a year or ten [months]; afterwards she will go." נהוַיֹּ֤אמֶר אָחִ֨יהָ֙ וְאִמָּ֔הּ תֵּשֵׁ֨ב הַנַּֽעֲרָ֥ה (כתיב הנער) אִתָּ֛נוּ יָמִ֖ים א֣וֹ עָשׂ֑וֹר אַחַ֖ר תֵּלֵֽךְ:
And her brother and her mother said: And where was Bethuel? He wanted to stop [Rebecca’s marriage]; so an angel came and slew him. — [Gen. Rabbah 60:12]
ויאמר אחיה ואמה: ובתואל היכן היה, הוא היה רוצה לעכב ובא מלאך והמיתו:
a year: יָמִים [means] a year, as in (Lev. 25:29):“the time of its redemption shall be one full year (יָמִים).” For a maiden is granted a period of twelve months to outfit herself with ornaments. — [Kethuboth 57].
ימים: שנה, כמו (ויקרא כה כט) ימים תהיה גאולתו, שכך נותנין לבתולה זמן שנים עשר חדש לפרנס את עצמה בתכשיטים:
or ten: [Meaning] ten months, for if you say that יָמִים is [to be understood literally as] days, it is not customary for people who make requests to request a small thing and [to say,] “If you are unwilling, give us more than that.” - [Kethuboth 57].
או עשור: עשרה חדשים. ואם תאמר ימים ממש, אין דרך המבקשים לבקש דבר מועט ואם לא תרצה תן לנו מרובה מזה:
56But he said to them, "Do not delay me, since the Lord has made my way prosper. Send me away, and I will go to my master." נווַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֲלֵהֶם֙ אַל־תְּאַֽחֲר֣וּ אֹתִ֔י וַֽיהֹוָ֖ה הִצְלִ֣יחַ דַּרְכִּ֑י שַׁלְּח֕וּנִי וְאֵֽלְכָ֖ה לַֽאדֹנִֽי:
57And they said, "Let us call the maiden and ask her." נזוַיֹּֽאמְר֖וּ נִקְרָ֣א לַנַּֽעֲרָ֑ה (כתיב לנער) וְנִשְׁאֲלָ֖ה אֶת־פִּֽיהָ:
And ask her: From here we learn that we may not marry off a woman except with her consent. — [Gen. Rabbah 60: 12]
ונשאלה את פיה: מכאן שאין משיאין את האשה אלא מדעתה:
58And they summoned Rebecca, and they said to her, "Will you go with this man?" And she said, "I will go." נחוַיִּקְרְא֤וּ לְרִבְקָה֙ וַיֹּֽאמְר֣וּ אֵלֶ֔יהָ הֲתֵֽלְכִ֖י עִם־הָאִ֣ישׁ הַזֶּ֑ה וַתֹּ֖אמֶר אֵלֵֽךְ:
and she said, “I will go.”: of my own accord, even if you do not desire it.
ותאמר אלך: מעצמי, ואף אם אינכם רוצים:
59So they sent away Rebecca their sister and her nurse and Abraham's servant and his men. נטוַיְשַׁלְּח֛וּ אֶת־רִבְקָ֥ה אֲחֹתָ֖ם וְאֶת־מֵֽנִקְתָּ֑הּ וְאֶת־עֶ֥בֶד אַבְרָהָ֖ם וְאֶת־אֲנָשָֽׁיו:
60And they blessed Rebecca and said to her, "Our sister, may you become thousands of myriads, and may your seed inherit the cities of their enemies." סוַיְבָֽרְכ֤וּ אֶת־רִבְקָה֙ וַיֹּ֣אמְרוּ לָ֔הּ אֲחֹתֵ֕נוּ אַ֥תְּ הֲיִ֖י לְאַלְפֵ֣י רְבָבָ֑ה וְיִירַ֣שׁ זַרְעֵ֔ךְ אֵ֖ת שַׁ֥עַר שֽׂנְאָֽיו:
may you become thousands of myriads: May you and your seed receive that blessing that was stated to Abraham on Mount Moriah (above 22:17): “and I will surely multiply your seed, etc.” “May it be His will that those children shall be from you and not from another woman.”
את היי לאלפי רבבה: את וזרעך תקבלו אותה ברכה שנאמר לאברהם בהר המוריה (לעיל כב יז) הרבה ארבה את זרעך וגו'. יהי רצון שיהא אותו הזרע ממך ולא מאשה אחרת:
61And Rebecca and her maidens arose and rode on the camels, and they followed the man; and the servant took Rebecca and left. סאוַתָּ֨קָם רִבְקָ֜ה וְנַֽעֲרֹתֶ֗יהָ וַתִּרְכַּ֨בְנָה֙ עַל־הַגְּמַלִּ֔ים וַתֵּלַ֖כְנָה אַֽחֲרֵ֣י הָאִ֑ישׁ וַיִּקַּ֥ח הָעֶ֛בֶד אֶת־רִבְקָ֖ה וַיֵּלַֽךְ:
62Now Isaac was on his way, coming from Be'er Lachai Ro'i, and he dwelt in the land of the south. סבוְיִצְחָק֙ בָּ֣א מִבּ֔וֹא בְּאֵ֥ר לַחַ֖י רֹאִ֑י וְה֥וּא יוֹשֵׁ֖ב בְּאֶ֥רֶץ הַנֶּֽגֶב:
coming from Be’er Lachai Ro’i: where he had gone to bring Hagar to Abraham his father, that he should marry her (Gen. Rabbah 60:14).
מבוא באר לחי ראי: שהלך להביא הגר לאברהם אביו שישאנה:
and he dwelt in the land of the south: Near that well, as it is said (above 20:1): “And Abraham traveled from there to the south land, and he dwelt between Kadesh and Shur,” and there the well was located, as it is said (above 16:14):“Behold it is between Kadesh and Bered.”
יושב בארץ הנגב: קרוב לאותו באר, שנאמר (לעיל כ א) ויסע משם אברהם ארצה הנגב וישב בין קדש ובין שור, ושם היה הבאר, שנאמר (שם טז יד) הנה בין קדש ובין ברד:
63And Isaac went forth to pray in the field towards evening, and he lifted his eyes and saw, and behold, camels were approaching. סגוַיֵּצֵ֥א יִצְחָ֛ק לָשׂ֥וּחַ בַּשָּׂדֶ֖ה לִפְנ֣וֹת עָ֑רֶב וַיִּשָּׂ֤א עֵינָיו֙ וַיַּ֔רְא וְהִנֵּ֥ה גְמַלִּ֖ים בָּאִֽים:
to pray: לָשׂוּחַ is an expression of prayer, as in (Ps. 102:1):“He pours out his prayer (שִׂיחוֹ).” - [Gen. Rabbah 60: 14, Ber. 26b] \b 64\b0
לשוח: לשון תפלה, כמו (תהלים קב א) ישפוך שיחו:
64And Rebecca lifted her eyes, and saw Isaac, and she let herself down from the camel. סדוַתִּשָּׂ֤א רִבְקָה֙ אֶת־עֵינֶ֔יהָ וַתֵּ֖רֶא אֶת־יִצְחָ֑ק וַתִּפֹּ֖ל מֵעַ֥ל הַגָּמָֽל:
and saw Isaac: She saw his majestic appearance, and she was astounded by him (Gen. Rabbah 60:14).
ותרא את יצחק: ראתה אותו הדור ותוהא מפניו:
and she let herself down: She slipped off toward the earth, as the Targum כִינַת, “and she leaned.” She leaned towards the earth but did not reach the ground, as (above verse 14):“Please lower (הַטִּי) your pitcher,” [which the Targum renders:] אַרְכִינִי [tilt]. Similar to this, (II Sam. 22:10):“And He bent (וַיֵּט) the heavens,” [which the Targum renders:] וְאַרכִין, an expression of leaning towards the earth, and similarly (Ps. 37: 24):“Though he falls (יִפֹּל), he will not be cast down,” meaning that if he falls toward the earth, he will not reach the ground.
ותפל: השמיטה עצמה לארץ, כתרגומו ואתרכינת הטתה עצמה לארץ ולא הגיעה עד הקרקע, כמו (פסוק יד) הטי נא כדך, ארכיני, (ש"ב כב י) ויט שמים, וארכין, לשון מוטה לארץ, ודומה לו (תהלים לז כד) כי יפול לא יוטל, כלומר אם יטה לארץ לא יגיע עד הקרקע:
65And she said to the servant, "Who is that man walking in the field towards us?" And the servant said, "He is my master." And she took the veil and covered herself. סהוַתֹּ֣אמֶר אֶל־הָעֶ֗בֶד מִֽי־הָאִ֤ישׁ הַלָּזֶה֙ הַֽהֹלֵ֤ךְ בַּשָּׂדֶה֙ לִקְרָאתֵ֔נוּ וַיֹּ֥אמֶר הָעֶ֖בֶד ה֣וּא אֲדֹנִ֑י וַתִּקַּ֥ח הַצָּעִ֖יף וַתִּתְכָּֽס:
and covered herself: וַתִּתְכָּס is in the reflexive form, as in (below 35:8) ַותִּקָּבֵר (and she was buried); (I Sam. 4:18) וַתִּשָּׁבֵר (and it was broken).
ותתכס: לשון ותתפעל, כמו ותקבר, ותשבר:
66And the servant told Isaac all the things that he had done. סווַיְסַפֵּ֥ר הָעֶ֖בֶד לְיִצְחָ֑ק אֵ֥ת כָּל־הַדְּבָרִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר עָשָֽׂה:
And the servant told: (Gen. Rabbah 60:15) He revealed to him [Isaac] the miracles that were wrought for him, that the earth had shrunk for him and that Rebecca had come to him providentially as a result of his prayer.
ויספר העבד: גלה לו נסים שנעשו לו שקפצה לו הארץ ושנזדמנה לו רבקה בתפלתו:
67And Isaac brought her to the tent of Sarah his mother, and he took Rebecca, and she became his wife, and he loved her. And Isaac was comforted for [the loss of] his mother. סזוַיְבִאֶ֣הָ יִצְחָ֗ק הָאֹ֨הֱלָה֙ שָׂרָ֣ה אִמּ֔וֹ וַיִּקַּ֧ח אֶת־רִבְקָ֛ה וַתְּהִי־ל֥וֹ לְאִשָּׁ֖ה וַיֶּֽאֱהָבֶ֑הָ וַיִּנָּחֵ֥ם יִצְחָ֖ק אַֽחֲרֵ֥י אִמּֽוֹ:
to the tent of Sarah his mother: He brought her to the tent, and behold, she was Sarah his mother; i.e., she became the likeness of Sarah his mother, for as long as Sarah was alive, a candle burned from one Sabbath eve to the next, a blessing was found in the dough, and a cloud was attached to the tent. When she died, these things ceased, and when Rebecca arrived, they resumed (Gen. Rabbah 60:16).
האהלה שרה אמו: ויביאה האהלה והרי היא שרה אמו, כלומר, ונעשית דוגמת שרה אמו, שכל זמן ששרה קיימת היה נר דלוק מערב שבת לערב שבת, וברכה מצויה בעיסה, וענן קשור על האהל, ומשמתה פסקו, וכשבאת רבקה חזרו:
for…his mother: It is the way of the world that, as long as a person’s mother is alive, he is attached to her, but as soon as she dies, he finds comfort in his wife. — [Pirkei d’Rabbi Eliezer, ch. 32.]
אחרי אמו: דרך ארץ כל זמן שאמו של אדם קיימת כרוך הוא אצלה, ומשמתה הוא מתנחם באשתו:
Tehillim: Psalms Chapters 97 - 103• Hebrew text
• English text
Chapter 97
1. When the Lord will reveal His kingship, the earth will exult; the multitudes of islands will rejoice.
2. Clouds and dense darkness will surround Him; justice and mercy will be the foundation of His throne.
3. Fire will go before Him and consume His foes all around.
4. His lightnings will illuminate the world; the earth will see and tremble.
5. The mountains will melt like wax before the Lord, before the Master of all the earth.
6. The heavens will declare His justice, and all the nations will behold His glory.
7. All who worship graven images, who take pride in idols, will be ashamed; all idol worshippers will prostrate themselves before Him.
8. Zion will hear and rejoice, the towns of Judah will exult, because of Your judgments, O Lord.
9. For You, Lord, transcend all the earth; You are exceedingly exalted above all the supernal beings.
10. You who love the Lord, hate evil; He watches over the souls of His pious ones, He saves them from the hand of the wicked.
11. Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart.
12. Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous, and extol His holy Name.
Chapter 98
This psalm describes how Israel will praise God for the Redemption.
1. A psalm. Sing to the Lord a new song, for He has performed wonders; His right hand and holy arm have wrought deliverance for Him.
2. The Lord has made known His salvation; He has revealed His justice before the eyes of the nations.
3. He has remembered His kindness and faithfulness to the House of Israel; all, from the farthest corners of the earth, witnessed the deliverance by our God.
4. Raise your voices in jubilation to the Lord, all the earth; burst into joyous song and chanting.
5. Sing to the Lord with a harp, with a harp and the sound of song.
6. With trumpets and the sound of the shofar, jubilate before the King, the Lord.
7. The sea and its fullness will roar in joy, the earth and its inhabitants.
8. The rivers will clap their hands, the mountains will sing together.
9. [They will rejoice] before the Lord, for He has come to judge the earth; He will judge the world with justice, and the nations with righteousness.
Chapter 99
This psalm refers to the wars of Gog and Magog, which will precede the Redemption.
1. When the Lord will reveal His kingship, the nations will tremble; the earth will quake before Him Who is enthroned upon the cherubim,
2. [before] the Lord Who is in Zion, Who is great and exalted above all the peoples.
3. They will extol Your Name which is great, awesome and holy.
4. And [they will praise] the might of the King Who loves justice. You have established uprightness; You have made [the laws of] justice and righteousness in Jacob.
5. Exalt the Lord our God, and bow down at His footstool; He is holy.
6. Moses and Aaron among His priests, and Samuel among those who invoke His Name, would call upon the Lord and He would answer them.
7. He would speak to them from a pillar of cloud; they observed His testimonies and the decrees which He gave them.
8. Lord our God, You have answered them; You were a forgiving God for their sake, yet bringing retribution for their own misdeeds.
9. Exalt the Lord our God, and bow down at His holy mountain, for the Lord our God is holy.
Chapter 100
This psalm inspires the hearts of those who suffer in this world. Let them, nevertheless, serve God with joy, for all is for their good, as in the verse: "He whom God loves does He chastise." The psalm also refers to the thanksgiving sacrifice-the only sacrifice to be offered in the Messianic era.
1. A psalm of thanksgiving. Let all the earth sing in jubilation to the Lord.
2. Serve the Lord with joy; come before Him with exultation.
3. Know that the Lord is God; He has made us and we are His, His people and the sheep of His pasture.
4. Enter His gates with gratitude, His courtyards with praise; give thanks to Him, bless His Name.
5. For the Lord is good; His kindness is everlasting, and His faithfulness is for all generations.
Chapter 101
This psalm speaks of David's secluding himself from others, and of his virtuous conduct even in his own home.
1. By David, a psalm. I will sing of [Your] kindness and justice; to You, O Lord, will I chant praise!
2. I will pay heed to the path of integrity-O when will it come to me? I shall walk with the innocence of my heart [even] within my house.
3. I shall not place an evil thing before my eyes; I despise the doing of wayward deeds, it does not cling to me.
4. A perverse heart shall depart from me; I shall not know evil.
5. He who slanders his fellow in secret, him will I cut down; one with haughty eyes and a lustful heart, him I cannot suffer.
6. My eyes are upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me; he who walks in the path of integrity, he shall minister to me.
7. He that practices deceit shall not dwell within my house; the speaker of lies shall have no place before my eyes.
8. Every morning I will cut down all the wicked of the land, to excise all evildoers from the city of the Lord.
Chapter 102
An awe-inspiring prayer for the exiled, and an appropriate prayer for anyone in distress.
1. A prayer of the poor man when he is faint [with affliction], and pours out his tale of woe before the Lord.
2. O Lord, hear my prayer, let my cry reach You!
3. Hide not Your face from me on the day of my distress; turn Your ear to me; on the day that I call, answer me quickly.
4. For my days have vanished with the smoke; my bones are dried up as a hearth.
5. Smitten like grass and withered is my heart, for I have forgotten to eat my bread.
6. From the voice of my sigh, my bone cleaves to my flesh.
7. I am like the bird of the wilderness; like the owl of the wasteland have I become.
8. In haste I fled; I was like a bird, alone on a roof.
9. All day my enemies disgrace me; those who ridicule me curse using my name.1
10. For I have eaten ashes like bread, and mixed my drink with tears,
11. because of Your anger and Your wrath-for You have raised me up, then cast me down.
12. My days are like the fleeting shadow; I wither away like the grass.
13. But You, Lord, will be enthroned forever, and Your remembrance is for all generations.
14. You will arise and have mercy on Zion, for it is time to be gracious to her; the appointed time has come.
15. For Your servants cherish her stones, and love her dust.
16. Then the nations will fear the Name of the Lord, and all the kings of the earth Your glory,
17. when [they see that] the Lord has built Zion, He has appeared in His glory.
18. He turned to the entreaty of the prayerful, and did not despise their prayer.
19. Let this be written for the last generation, so that the newborn nation will praise the Lord.
20. For He looked down from His holy heights; from heaven, the Lord gazed upon the earth,
21. to hear the cry of the bound, to untie those who are doomed to die,
22. so that the Name of the Lord be declared in Zion, and His praise in Jerusalem,
23. when nations and kingdoms will gather together to serve the Lord.
24. He weakened my strength on the way; He shortened my days.
25. I would say: "My God, do not remove me in the midst of my days! You Whose years endure through all generations.”
26. In the beginning You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands.
27. They will perish, but You will endure; all of them will wear out like a garment; You will exchange them like a robe, and they will vanish.
28. But You remain the same; Your years will not end.
29. The children of Your servants will abide; their seed shall be established before You.
FOOTNOTES
1.When swearing, they would say, “If I am lying, may I become like the miserable Jews” (Metzudot).
Chapter 103
David's prayer when he was ill, this psalm is an appropriate prayer on behalf of the sick, especially when offered by the sick person himself while his soul is yet in his body. He can then bless God from his depths, body and soul. Read, and find repose for your soul.
1. By David. Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all my being, His holy Name.
2. My soul, bless the Lord; forget not all His favors:
3. Who forgives all your sins, Who heals all your illnesses;
4. Who redeems your life from the grave, Who crowns you with kindness and mercy;
5. Who satisfies your mouth with goodness; like the eagle, your youth is renewed.
6. The Lord executes righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.
7. He made His ways known to Moses, His deeds to the Children of Israel.
8. The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and of great kindness.
9. He will not contend for eternity, nor harbor ill will forever.
10. He has not dealt with us according to our transgressions, nor requited us according to our sins.
11. For as high as heaven is above the earth, so has His kindness been mighty over those who fear Him.
12. As far as the east is from the west, so has He distanced our transgressions from us.
13. As a father has compassion on his children, so has the Lord had compassion on those who fear Him.
14. For He knows our nature; He is mindful that we are but dust.
15. As for man, his days are like grass; like a flower of the field, so he sprouts.
16. When a wind passes over him, he is gone; his place recognizes him no more.
17. But the kindness of the Lord is forever and ever upon those who fear Him, and His righteousness is [secured] for children's children,
18. to those who keep His covenant, and to those who remember His commands to do them.
19. The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His kingship has dominion over all.
20. Bless the Lord, you His angels who are mighty in strength, who do His bidding to obey the voice of His speech.
21. Bless the Lord, all His hosts, His servants who do His will.
22. Bless the Lord, all His works, in all the places of His dominion. My soul, bless the Lord!
Tanya: Iggeret HaKodesh, middle of Epistle 29• English Text (Lessons in Tanya)
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Thursday, Cheshvan 20, 5778 · November 9, 2017
Today's Tanya Lesson
Iggeret HaKodesh, middle of Epistle 29
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והנה אור זה הגנוז לצדיקים לע"ל הנק' בשם נועם ה' וצחצחות להתענג עלה'
Now this light, hidden away for the righteous for the Time to Come, is termed (as above) the "pleasantness of G-d," and the "pleasurable thirst" of "delighting in G-d,
וד' מאות עלמין דכסופין דמתענגי בהון צדיקייא כו' כמ"ש ארבע מאות שקל כסף כו'
" and also1 "the 400 Worlds of Longing in which the tzaddikim delight..." as it is written,2 "400 shekalim of silver (kesef)..."
The Aramaic phrase translated "Worlds of Longing" is almin dekisufin. The root of the second word (kesef)means not only "silver" but also "longing" (as in the phrase3 nichsof nichsafta). Hence the Kabbalah relates the above reference to "400 shekalim of kesef" to the 400 Worlds of Longing whose spiritual delights are reserved for tzaddikim.
הנה יש בו מעלות ומדרגות רבות מאד גבוה מעל גבוה
This [light] comprises very many rungs and levels, one superior to the other.
אך הארה מועטת היורדת מדרגה אחר מדרגה לברוא לבוש זה היא מבחי' מדרגה האחרונה שבאור זה
But the minute radiation, which descends level after level to create this garment that garbs the soul, belongs to the lowest level of this light.
ונקראת בשם מדרגה החיצונה ואחוריים דרך משל
Metaphorically speaking, it is referred to as the external level, or achorayim,
כמ"ש בזהר דר"ח ע"ב (עיין בס' מק"מ) ור"י ע"ב ומה דאשתאר כו'
as stated in the Zohar, p. 208b (4 cf. the commentary entitled Mikdash Melech5) and 210b: "And that which is left...," meaning that the light which is the source of the garment is of the most external or hindmost level.
The Alter Rebbe now goes on to explain that the external level of this radiance, from which these garments derive, is called the Supernal Will. Will, as is soon to be explained, is the external aspect (i.e., a consequence) of pleasure, or delight.
והנה כמו שבנשמת האדם יש בה כח התענוג שמתענגת ממה שיש לה ענג ממנו כמו מהשכלת שכל חדש וכה"ג
Now, in the soul of man there is a faculty for pleasure: [the soul] takes pleasure in what it finds pleasurable,6as in the conception of a new insight, or the like.
ובחי' חיצוניות ואחוריים של כח ובחי' התענוג שבה היא בחי' כח הרצון שבה שהוא רוצה מה שהוא רוצה דהיינו דבר שאינו צער שהצער היפך התענוג
The external and hindmost aspect of [the soul's] power and state of delight is its faculty of will, willing that which it wills, i.e.,7 something that is not painful, for pain is the opposite of delight.
A person desires something because it gives him pleasure. Thus, pleasure is the "inner" (or motivating) aspect of desire, which is considered "external" (i.e., consequent) to it.
וככה עד"מ באור א"ס ב"ה ג"כ כביכול
Metaphorically speaking, it is the same with the [infinite] EinSof-light, as it were:
הרצון העליון ב"ה היא בחי' חיצוניות ואחוריים לבחי' ענג העליון ונועם ה' וצחצחות ועלמין דכסופין הנ"ל
The Supernal Will is the external and hindmost aspect [i.e.,the resultant chitzoniyut and achorayim] of the above-mentioned Supernal Delight, the "pleasantness of G-d," the "pleasurable thirst," and the "Worlds of Longing."
Thus, when we state that the garment for the soul derives from the achorayim and chitzoniyut of the Supernal Delight, this means that it derives from the Supernal Will.
הגם שהם מיוחדים בתכלית היחוד שהוא ית' ורצונו אחד
Though these - [the Supernal Delight and the Supernal Will] -are fused in absolute unity, for [G-d] and His Will are one,
ולא כרצון האדם ח"ו לא מיניה ולא מקצתיה
and not (heaven forfend) like the will of man, neither wholly nor partially,
ואין דמיון ביניהם כלל
there being no similarity whatever between them,
Man's will is not wholly one with the person himself; it is one of the soul-faculties that he possesses. By contrast, G-d and His Will are one. How, then, can we differentiate Above between Pleasure and Will,saying that G-d's Pleasure is internal and His Will is external?
אעפ"כ דברה תורה כלשון בנ"א לשכך האזן מה שיכולה לשמוע במשל ומליצה מנשמת האדם הכלולה מכח התענוג והרצון והחכמה והבינה וכו'
nevertheless,8 "the Torah speaks in human idiom" in order9 "to modulate for the ear what it is able to hear," with allegory and metaphor relating to the soul of man, which compounds the faculty of delight, will, wisdom, understanding, and so on.
just as in man pleasure is described as "internal" and will as "external", so too do we describe the corresponding attributes Above.
וכנראה בחוש שכשאדם משכיל איזה שכל חדש נפלא אזי באותה רגע עכ"פ נולד לו תענוג נפלא בשכלו
This is empirically evident, for when a person conceives some wonderful new insight, then at that moment, at least, a wondrous delight is born10 in his mind.
מכלל שהתענוג הוא למעלה מעלה מבחי' השכל והחכמה רק שמלובש בבחי' שכל וחכמה
Thus it follows that the capacity for pleasure surpasses by far the faculty of intellect and wisdom; it merely is vested in the faculty of intellect and wisdom.
וכשהאדם מרגיש השכל וחכמה דהיינו שמשיגה ומבינה היטב אזי מרגיש ג"כ בחי' התענוג המלובש בחכמה
Thus when a man feels [a subject of] intellect and wisdom, that is, he apprehends and understands it well, he then also senses the faculty of pleasure which is vested in the [subject of] wisdom.
ולכן נקראת בחי' בינה בשם עוה"ב בזוה"ק
That is why in the sacred Zohar,11 the faculty of Binah is referred to as "the World to Come."
שהיא בחי' התגלות החכמה עם התענוג המלובש בה שמשיגים הצדיקים בג"ע ומשכילים בפנימיות התורה
For it is the state of manifestation of Chochmah, together with the delight vested in it, which the righteous in the Garden of Eden apprehend, and conceive [new insights] in the pnimiyut[i.e., the innermost, mystical dimension] of the Torah.
דאורייתא מחכמה נפקא ואורייתא וקב"ה כולא חד:
For12 the Torah derives from Chochmah, and13 the Torah and the Holy One, blessed be He, are entirely one.14
Thus, through gaining a perception of pnimiyut in the manner in which the soul apprehends it in the Garden of Eden, where it apprehends the essence of G-dliness - and "this delight itself (as the Rebbe adds) is utterly inward, as explained above"- the soul gains an apprehension of G-d's infinite light. And in order for it to be able to absorb this degree of illumination, it must be equipped with the protective and receptive garments of the mitzvot, as previously explained.
* * *
| FOOTNOTES | |
| 1. | Cf. Zohar I, 123b. |
| 2. | Bereishit 23:15. |
| 3. | Ibid. 31:30. |
| 4. | Parentheses are in the original text. |
| 5. | To the Zohar, loc. cit. |
| 6. |
Note of the Rebbe: "The Alter Rebbe is not informing us of the obvious, as might appear at first glance, but is making a significant statement which must appear here, where he is explaining that will is the external aspect [i.e., the consequence] of pleasure - in order to distinguish this sequence from the alternative sequence discussed in Hemshech 5666, p 65ff., [where will is seen as the source of pleasure]
The conclusion there, on p. 73ff., is as here, [that pleasure is indeed the source of will, and not the contrary].".
|
| 7. | Note of the Rebbe: "The addition of this phrase too is explained by the previous footnote." |
| 8. | Rambam, Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 1:9. |
| 9. | Cf. Rashi on Shmot 19:18, based on Mechilta and Tanchuma ad loc. |
| 10. | Note of the Rebbe: "The feeling of pleasure, by contrast, comes (as is explained below) in the World to Come. And so long as this feeling is lacking, the individual concerned cannot be said to have `received the pleasantness.'" |
| 11. | II, 158a. |
| 12. | Zohar II, 85a. |
| 13. | Op. cit. I, 24a, et al. |
| 14. | Note of the Rebbe: "[The above-described perception enjoyed by the tzaddikim] is similar to the delight that is born and is derived when a concept is first conceived and understood - and this is the above-mentioned `pleasantness of G-d...'". |
• Sefer Hamitzvot:
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Audio: Listen | Download | Video ClassThursday, Cheshvan 20, 5778 · November 9, 2017
Today's Mitzvah
A daily digest of Maimonides’ classic work "Sefer Hamitzvot"
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Important Message Regarding This Lesson
The Daily Mitzvah schedule runs parallel to the daily study of 3 chapters of Maimonides' 14-volume code. There are instances when the Mitzvah is repeated a few days consecutively while the exploration of the same Mitzvah continues in the in-depth track.
Negative Commandment 321
Going Beyond City Limits on Shabbat
"Let no man go out of his place on the seventh day"—Exodus 16:29.
It is forbidden on Shabbat to travel more than 2,000 cubits (approximately 3000 ft.) out of a city's parameters.
Full text of this Mitzvah »
Going Beyond City Limits on Shabbat
Negative Commandment 321
Translated by Berel Bell
The 321st prohibition is that we are forbidden to travel [even by foot] on Shabbos.
The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement1, "No man may leave his place on the seventh day."
Oral Tradition defines limit of "travel" as 2000 amos2 beyond the city limit; one may not walk even a single amoh more. However, one may walk within 2000 amos from the city limit in any direction.3
The Mechilta says: " 'No man may leave his place,' — this means beyond 2000 amos."
Our Sages said in tractate Eruvin4, "For violating the prohibition of the Shabbos limit, one receives lashes by Biblical ordinance."5
The details of this commandment are discussed in that same tractate.
FOOTNOTES
1.Shmos 16:29.
2.Approximately 3000 ft. In Mishneh Torah (Hilchos Shabbos 27:1), the Rambam rules that walking 2000 amos is prohibited only by Rabbinic law, while the Biblical prohibition is in effect only at 12 mil, or approximately 24,000 amos.
The Rambam himself explains, however, (in responsa 310, quoted in Mishneh Torah, Kapach ed., p. 575) that there is no contradiction between his two works. Sefer Hamitzvos is meant only to give a general description of the mitzvah, so he did not mention the two categories. Mishneh Torah, on the other hand, gives all the relevant halachic details. See also Introduction to Sefer Hamitzvos.
3.In Mishneh Torah (ibid.), the Rambam explains that this area is considered within the suburbs of the city (see Num. 35:5).
4.17b.
5.With this quote, the Rambam proves that this mitzvah in included in the count of the 613 mitzvos.
Rambam:
• 1 Chapter A Day: Avodat Kochavim Avodat Kochavim - Chapter Eight
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• 3 Chapters A Day: Shabbat Shabbat - Chapter Twenty One, Shabbat Shabbat - Chapter Twenty Two, Shabbat Shabbat - Chapter Twenty Three
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Any tent with a slanted roof whose roof is not a handbreadth wide,131 nor is the span three handbreadths below its roof a handbreadth wide,132 is considered to be a temporary tent. A person who erects it for the first time on the Sabbath is not liable.133
One may not cut a reed, since this resembles preparing a utensil.26 If [a reed] is cut27 [before the commencement of the Sabbath], even though it has not been adjusted,28 it may be inserted into a hole in the barrel on the Sabbath. We are not concerned that one might adjust it.
One may draw water using a branch that is tied to the cup [used to draw water from the well]. If it is not tied to the cup, we may not draw water with it. [This is] a decree, [instituted] lest one trim [the branch] and adjust it.
• English Text | Video ClassThursday, Cheshvan 20, 5778 · 09 November 2017
"Today's Day"
Thursday, Cheshvan 20, 5704
Torah lessons: Chumash: Chayei Sara, Chamishi with Rashi.
Tehillim: 97-103.
Tanya: Now, the Cabbalists (p. 579) ...neshamah of man. (p. 581).
Birth of R. Shalom Dovber in the year which the Tzemach Tzedek termed Kitra1 ("crown") - 5621 (1860). He was named for the Mitteler Rebbe2 and half the name of the Tzemach Tzedek's father.3
Every year my father delivered a maamar on his birthday, but he did so secretly except when it coincided with Shabbat. On his last birthday here on earth4 he said the maamar Natata lirei'echa neiss...5 When he concluded he said to me, "on one's birthday he should say Chassidus. May G-d give you a gift that you may say Chassidus on your birthday, but it should be with kindness and mercy." It took seven years for this to happen.6
FOOTNOTES
1.Kitra is numerically 5621.
2.R. Dovber.
3.R. Shalom Shachna.
4.1919.
5.Tehillim 60:6.
6.The Festival of Liberation of the previous Rebbe (from Soviet imprisonment for his spreading of Torah and Judaism) occurred on his birthday, the 12th of Tamuz, in the year 5687 (1927) - during his seventh year as Rebbe. He succeeded to the leadership in 5680 (1920) upon his father's demise.
Daily Thought:
The Giving Relationship
In a home, in a relationship, in any situation where people work together, each side has to give.
What you give is not so important. How you give is.
You have to want to give. (From a letter, 5732 (1972), printed in Ohr ha-Bayit, p. 37. See also Hitkashrut no. 70.)
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• 1 Chapter A Day: Avodat Kochavim Avodat Kochavim - Chapter Eight
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Avodat Kochavim - Chapter Eight
1
It is permitted to derive benefit from anything that has not been manipulated by man or that was not made by man, even though it was worshiped [as a deity]. Therefore, it is permitted to benefit from mountains, hills, trees - provided they were planted originally with the intent of harvesting their fruit - springs which provide water for many people, and animals, despite their having been worshiped by pagans. It is permitted to partake of fruits that were worshiped in the place where they grow and to partake of such an animal.
Needless to say, it is permitted to partake of an animal that was set aside for the purpose of idol worship. It is permitted regardless of whether it was set aside to be worshiped or to be sacrificed [to another deity].
When do the above statements permitting the use of an animal apply? When a deed involving it was not committed for the sake of idol worship. If, however, any deed whatsoever was committed involving it, it is forbidden; for example, one cut one of its signs for the sake of an idol. Should one exchange it for an idol, it is forbidden. Similarly, it is forbidden if it was exchanged for an article that was itself exchanged for an idol, since the latter article is considered to be "payment for an idol."
When does the above apply? Regarding one's own animal. If, however, one slaughtered a colleague's animal for the sake of a false deity, or exchanged it for an idol, it does not become forbidden, because a person cannot cause an article that does not belong to him to become forbidden.
When a person bows down to virgin earth, he does not cause it to become forbidden. If he digs pits, channels, and caverns in it for the sake of a false deity, it becomes forbidden.
א
כל שאין בו תפיסת יד אדם ולא עשהו אדם אף על פי שנעבד הרי זה מותר בהנאה לפיכך עובדי כוכבים העובדים את ההרים ואת הגבעות ואת האילנות הנטועין מתחלתן לפירות ואת המעיינות הנובעין לרבים ואת הבהמה הרי אלו מותרין בהנאה ומותר לאכול אותן הפירות שנעבדו במקום גדילתן ואותה הבהמה ואין צריך לומר הבהמה שהוקצת לעבודת כוכבים שהיא מותרת באכילה בין שהקצוה לעובדה בין שהקצוה להקריבה הרי זו מותרת במה דברים אמורים שאין הבהמה נאסרת בשלא עשה בה מעשה לשם עבודת כוכבים אבל עשה בה מעשה כל שהוא אסרה כיצד כגון ששחט בה סימן לעבודת כוכבים עשאה חליפין לעבודת כוכבים אסרה וכן חליפי חליפין מפני שנעשים דמי עבודת כוכבים בד"א בבהמת עצמו אבל אם שחט בהמת חבירו לעבודת כוכבים או החליפה לא נאסרה שאין אדם אוסר דבר שאינו שלו המשתחוה לקרקע עולם לא אסרה חפר בה בורות שיחין ומערות לשם עבודת כוכבים אסרה:
Commentary on Halachah 1
2
When a person bows down to water which was lifted up by a wave, he does not cause [the water] to become forbidden. If, however, he picked [water] up with his hands and bowed down to it, it becomes forbidden.
If rocks which had slid down from a mountain were worshiped in the place where they [landed], they are permitted, since they were not manipulated by man.
ב
מים שעקרן הגל והשתחוה להן לא אסרן נטלן בידו והשתחוה להן אסרן אבני הר שנדלדלו ועבדן במקומם מותרות שהרי אין בהן תפיסת יד אדם:
Commentary on Halachah 2
3
When a Jew stands a brick up with the intention of bowing down to it, but does not bow down to it, and then a gentile comes and bows down to it, benefit from [the brick] becomes forbidden, because standing it up is considered to be a deed. Similarly, if he stands an egg up and a gentile comes and bows down to it, it becomes forbidden.
If one cuts off a gourd or the like and bows down to it, it is forbidden. Even when one bows down to only half the gourd, and the other half is still attached to it, it is forbidden because of the doubt involved: perhaps the second half is considered to be a handle for the half which was worshiped.
It is forbidden to benefit from a tree which was planted for the purpose of being worshiped. This is the asherah that the Torah mentions. When a tree which had been planted previously was pruned and carved for the sake of idol worship - even if it was extended or a growth was grafted onto the trunk of the tree - and branches grew, one must cut off [these] branches, and benefit from them is forbidden. The remainder of the tree, however, is permitted.
Similarly, when a person bows down to a tree, even though the tree itself is not forbidden, it is forbidden to benefit from all the branches, leaves, sprouts, and fruits which it produces during the time it is worshiped.
When gentiles guard the fruits of a tree and say that they are designated to be used to make alcoholic beverages for a particular pagan temple, and [the fruits] are used for alcoholic beverages which are drunken on their pagan holidays, it is forbidden to benefit from this tree. This is the ritual associated with an asherah. Accordingly, we can assume that [the tree] is an asherah, and therefore its fruits will be used for such purposes.
ג
ישראל שזקף לבינה להשתחות לה ולא השתחוה לה ובא עובד כוכבים והשתחוה לה אסרה בהנאה שזקיפתה מעשה וכן אם זקף ביצה ובא עובד כוכבים והשתחוה לה אסרה חתך דלעת וכיוצא בה והשתחוה לה אסרה השתחוה לחצי דלעת וחצי האחר מעורה בו הרי זה אסור מספק שמא זה החצי כמו יד לחצי הנעבד אילן שנטעו מתחלה שיהיה נעבד אסור בהנאה וזו היא אשרה האמורה בתורה היה אילן נטוע וגדעו ופסלו לשם עבודת כוכבים אפילו הבריך והרכיב בגופו של אילן והוציא שריגים כורת את השריגים והם אסורים בהנאה ושאר האילן מותר וכן המשתחוה לאילן אע"פ שלא נאסר גופו כל השריגים והעלים והלולבין והפירות שיוציא כל זמן שהוא נעבד הרי אלו אסורין בהנאה אילן שהיו העובדי כוכבים משמרין את פירותיו ואומרים שהם מוכנים לעשות שכר לבית עבודת כוכבים פלוני ועושין מהן שכר ושותים אותו ביום חגם הרי זה האילן אסור בהנאה מפני שסתמו שהוא אשרה ולפיכך עושין בפירותיו כך שזו היא חוקה של אשרה:
Commentary on Halachah 3
4
[The following rules apply to] a tree under which a false deity was placed: It is forbidden to benefit from it as long as the deity is located under it. When it is removed, we are permitted [to benefit] from it, since the tree itself is not the entity which was worshiped.
When a gentile constructs a building with the intention that the building itself be worshiped, and, similarly, when a person bows down to a building that has already been constructed, they become forbidden.
When a [building] which had already been constructed, was plastered and embellished for the sake of worship to the extent that it is considered to be a new entity, one must remove all the new additions, and it is forbidden to benefit from them, since they were made with the intention of being worshiped. It is, however, permitted to benefit from the remainder of the building.
If one placed an idol within a house, it is forbidden to benefit from the house while the idol is located within. When it is removed, the house becomes permitted.
Similarly, it is forbidden to benefit from a stone which was hewn from a mountain with the intention that it be worshiped. If it had already been hewn out, but was adorned and embellished with the intention that it be worshiped - even if the stone itself was adorned and embellished and, needless to say, if the adornment was added to it - one must remove all the new additions, and it is forbidden to benefit from them, since they were made with the intention of being worshiped. It is, however, permitted to benefit from the remainder of the stone.
ד
אילן שמעמידין תחתיו עבודת כוכבים כל זמן שהיא תחתיו אסור בהנאה נטלה מתחתיו הרי זה מותר מפני שאין האילן עצמו הוא הנעבד בית שבנאו העובד כוכבים מתחלה שיהא הבית עצמו נעבד וכן המשתחוה לבית בנוי הרי זה אסור בהנאה היה בנוי וסיידו וכיירו לשם עבודת כוכבים עד שנתחדש נוטל מה שחידש והחידוש אסור בהנאה מפני שעשאהו לעובדו ושאר הבית מותר הכניס עבודת כוכבים לתוך הבית כל זמן שהיא שם הבית אסור בהנאה הוציאה הותר הבית וכן אבן שחצבה מתחילה לעובדה אסורה בהנאה היתה חצובה וציירה וכיירה שתעבד אפילו צייר וכייר בגוף האבן ואין צריך לומר אם כייר עליה נוטל מה שחידש והוא אסור בהנאה הואיל ונעשה שיעבד ושאר האבן מותר:
Commentary on Halachah 4
5
A stone on which an idol is placed is forbidden as long as the idol is upon it. Once [the idol] is removed, it is permitted.
When a person's house which is located next to [a shrine of] an idol falls, it is forbidden for him to rebuild it. What must he do? He must move [the wall] within his own four cubits, and then rebuild it. The empty space must not be left free for the sake of the shrine of the idol. Rather, he should fill it with thorns or feces.
If the wall belonged jointly to both a private individual and an idol, it should be considered to belong to them equally. It is permitted to benefit from his half; the [half] belonging to the idol, however, is forbidden. [Similarly,] it is forbidden to benefit from all [the wall's] stones, beams, and earth.
ה
אבן שהעמיד עליה עבודת כוכבים הרי זו אסורה כל זמן שהיא עליה סלקה האבן מותרת מי שהיה ביתו סמוך לעבודת כוכבים ונפל אסור לבנותו כיצד יעשה כונס לתוך שלו ובונה ואותו הריוח ממלאהו קוצים או צואה כדי שלא ירחיב לבית עבודת כוכבים היה הכותל שלו ושל עבודת כוכבים ידון מחצה למחצה מחצה שלו מותר בהנאה ושל עבודת כוכבים הכל אסור בהנאה אבניו עציו ועפרו הכל אסור בהנאה:
Commentary on Halachah 5
6
How must one destroy a false deity and the other entities which are forbidden on its account - e.g., its accessories and offerings? One must grind them and scatter [the dust] in the wind, or burn them and deposit the ashes in the Dead Sea.
ו
כיצד מאבד עבודת כוכבים ושאר דברים האסורים בגללה כגון משמשיה ותקרובת שלה שוחק וזורה לרוח או שורף ומטיל לים המלח:
Commentary on Halachah 6
7
Although [as mentioned above,] an entity which cannot be manipulated by man - e.g., a mountain, animal, or tree - even when worshiped remains permitted, it is forbidden to benefit from its coatings. A person who derives any benefit from them whatsoever is [liable for] lashes, as [Deuteronomy 7:25] states: "Do not desire the silver and gold which are upon them."
Any coating of a false deity is considered to be one of its accessories.
ז
דבר שאין בו תפיסת יד אדם שנעבד כגון הרים ובהמה ואילן אף על פי שהנעבד עצמו מותר בהנאה ציפויו אסור בהנאה והנהנה בכל שהוא מהן לוקה שנאמר לא תחמוד כסף וזהב עליהם וכל ציפויי עבודת כוכבים הרי הן בכלל משמשיה:
Commentary on Halachah 7
8
It is permitted to benefit from a false deity belonging to a gentile whose deification was nullified [by gentiles] before it entered the possession of a Jew, as [Deuteronomy, ibid.] states, "You must burn the statues of their gods with fire." [This command applies] only if they are treated as gods when they enter our possession. If, however, their deification was nullified, they are permitted.
ח
עבודת כוכבים של עובדי כוכבים שבטלוה קודם שתבא לידי ישראל הרי זו מותרת בהנאה שנאמר פסילי אלהיהם תשרפון באש כשבאו לידינו והן נוהגין בהם אלהות אבל אם בטלום הרי אלו מותרין:
Commentary on Halachah 8
9
A false deity belonging to a Jew can never be nullified. Even if he owns it in partnership with a gentile, its nullification is of no consequence. Rather, it is forbidden to benefit from it forever, and it must be entombed.
Similarly, when a false deity belonging to a gentile enters the possession of a Jew, and then is nullified by a gentile, the nullification is of no consequence, and it is forbidden to benefit from it forever.
A Jew cannot nullify a false deity even when it is in the possession of a gentile. A gentile who is a minor or a fool cannot nullify a false deity. When a gentile is forced to nullify a false deity - whether it belongs to him or to other gentiles, even when he is forced to do so by Jews - the nullification is of consequence.
The gentile who nullifies idol worship must himself be an idolater. If he is not an idolater, his nullification is of no consequence.
When [a gentile] nullifies a false deity, he also nullifies [the connection to idol worship of] its accessories. When he nullifies [the connection to idol worship of] its accessories, it is permitted to benefit from the accessories. [The deity] itself, however, remains forbidden until it is nullified. [The connection to idol worship of] an object that was brought to an idol as an offering can never be nullified.
ט
עבודת כוכבים של ישראל אינה בטלה לעולם אפילו היה לעובד כוכבים בה שותפות אין ביטולו מועיל כלום אלא אסורה בהנאה לעולם וטעונה גניזה וכן עבודת כוכבים של עובד כוכבים שבאת ליד ישראל ואח"כ בטלה העובד כוכבים אין ביטולו מועיל כלום אלא אסורה בהנאה לעולם ואין ישראל מבטל עבודת כוכבים ואפילו ברשות עובד כוכבים עובד כוכבים קטן או שוטה אינו מבטל עבודת כוכבים ועובד כוכבים שבטל עבודת כוכבים בין שלו בין של עובדי כוכבים אחרים בעל כרחו אע"פ שאנסו ישראל על כך הרי זו בטילה ובלבד שיהא העובד כוכבים המבטל עובד עבודת כוכבים אבל מי שאינו עובד עבודת כוכבים אין ביטולו ביטול המבטל עבודת כוכבים ביטל משמשיה ביטל משמשיה משמשיה מותרים והיא אסורה בהנאה כמו שהיתה עד שיבטלנה ותקרובת עבודת כוכבים אינה בטילה לעולם:
Commentary on Halachah 9
10
How is [an idol] nullified? When one cuts off the tip of its nose, the tip of its ear, or the tip of its finger, smoothes out its face - even though none of its substance was destroyed - or sells it to a Jewish jeweler, it is nullified.
If, however, one gave it as security for a loan, sold it to a gentile, [sold it] to a Jew who is not a jeweler, [left it] after it was covered by fallen articles without removing them, did not demand its return after it was stolen by thieves, spat in its face, urinated upon it, dragged it [in mud], or threw feces upon it, it is not nullified.
י
כיצד מבטלה קטע ראש חוטמה ראש אזנה ראש אצבעה פחסה בפניה אף על פי שלא חסרה או שמכרה לצורף ישראל הרי זו בטילה אבל אם משכנה או מכרה לעובד כוכבים או לישראל שאינו צורף או שנפלה עליה מפולת ולא פינה גנבוה לסטים ולא תבעוה רקק בפניה השתין בפניה גררה זרק בה את הצואה הרי זו אינה בטילה:
Commentary on Halachah 10
11
When a false deity was abandoned by its worshipers in a time of peace, it is apparent that they nullified it. Hence, benefit may be derived from it. [If it was abandoned] in a time of war, it is forbidden. The only reason they abandoned it was the war.
When a false deity becomes broken in the course of nature, it is forbidden to benefit from its broken pieces until they have been nullified. Accordingly, when a person finds broken pieces of an idol, [he must regard them] as forbidden, lest the gentiles have not nullified them.
[The following principles apply to an idol] which comes in pieces: If it could be reassembled by an ordinary person, each piece must be nullified individually. If [an ordinary person] could not reassemble it, once one has nullified one of its limbs, all of them are nullified.
יא
עבודת כוכבים שהניחוה עובדיה בשעת שלום מותרת בהנאה שהרי בטלוה בשעת מלחמה אסורה מפני שלא הניחוה אלא מפני המלחמה עבודת כוכבים שנשברה מאליה שבריה אסורים בהנאה עד שיבטלוה לפיכך המוצא שברי עבודת כוכבים הרי אלו אסורין בהנאה שמא לא בטלוה העובדי כוכבים ואם היתה של פרקים והדיוט יכול להחזירם צריך לבטל כל פרק ופרק מפרקיה ואם אינו יכול להחזיר כיון שביטל אבר אחד ממנה בטלו כל השברים:
Commentary on Halachah 11
12
Though an altar for idol worship has been damaged, it is still forbidden to benefit from it until the majority of it has been destroyed by gentiles. A platform which has been damaged is permitted.
What is considered a platform, and what, an altar? A platform consists of a single stone; an altar, of many stones.
How are the stones of Marculis nullified? When one constructs a building from them or uses them to pave the roads or the like, it is permitted to benefit from them.
How is an asherah nullified? When one pulls off a leaf, cuts off a branch, takes a staff or scepter from it, or planes off its sides in a manner which does not benefit it, it is nullified. When one planes its sides in a manner which benefits it, it is forbidden, but its shavings are permitted.
If [the sides of] an asherah which belongs to a Jew [are planed off], both it and its shavings are forbidden forever, regardless of whether [it was planed] for its benefit or not, because a false deity belonging to a Jew can never be nullified.
יב
מזבח עבודת כוכבים שנפגם עדין הוא אסור בהנאה עד שינתץ רובו ביד עובד כוכבים ובימוס שנפגם מותר אי זהו בימוס ואי זהו מזבח בימוס אבן אחת מזבח אבנים הרבה וכיצד מבטלין אבני מרקוליס כיון שבנה מהם בנין או חיפה בהן את הדרכים וכיוצא באלו הרי הן מותרים בהנאה כיצד מבטלים את האשרה קרסם ממנה עלה או זרק ממנה יונק נטל ממנה מקל או שרביט או ששפאה שלא לצרכה הרי זו בטלה שפאה לצרכה היא אסורה ושפאיה מותרים ואם היתה של ישראל בין לצרכה בין שלא לצרכה בין היא ובין שפאיה אסורה לעולם שעבודת כוכבים של ישראל אין לה ביטול לעולם:
Commentary on Halachah 12
Rambam:• 3 Chapters A Day: Shabbat Shabbat - Chapter Twenty One, Shabbat Shabbat - Chapter Twenty Two, Shabbat Shabbat - Chapter Twenty Three
English Text | Hebrew Text
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Shabbat - Chapter Twenty One
1
[Regarding the Sabbath,] the Torah [Exodus 23:12] states: "[On the seventh day,] you shall cease activity." [This implies] ceasing [even the performance of certain] activities that are not [included in the categories of the forbidden] labors.1
[The Torah left the definition of the scope of this commandment to] the Sages, [who] forbade many activities as sh'vut. Some activities are forbidden because they resemble the forbidden labors, while other activities are forbidden lest they lead one to commit a forbidden labor. These [activities] include the following:2
א
נאמר בתורה תשבות אפילו מדברים שאינן מלאכה חייב לשבות מהן. ודברים הרבה הן שאסרו חכמים משום שבות. מהן דברים אסורים מפני שהן דומים למלאכות ומהן דברים אסורים גזרה שמא יבוא מהן איסור סקילה. ואלו הן:
2
A person who levels crevices [in the ground] is liable for [performing the forbidden labor of] plowing.3 For this reason, it is forbidden to defecate in a field that is lying fallow, lest one come to level crevices.
A person who empties a storeroom [of its contents]4 on the Sabbath, because he needs [the storeroom] for the sake of a mitzvah - e.g., to house guests or to use as a study hall - should not empty the storeroom entirely, lest he come to level crevices within.5
[A person who] has mud on his feet6 may clean it off on a wall7 or on a beam, but not on the ground, lest he level crevices. A person should not spit on the ground and wipe it with his feet, lest crevices be leveled.8 It is, however, permitted to step on spittle that is lying on the ground as one walks, without having any specific intent.9
ב
כל המשוה גומות הרי זה חייב משום חורש. לפיכך אסור להפנות בשדה הנירה בשבת גזירה שמא ישוה גומות. המפנה את האוצר בשבת מפני שהוא צריך לו לדבר מצוה כגון שיכניס בו אורחים או יקבע בו מדרש לא יגמור את כל האוצר שמא יבוא להשוות גומות. טיט שעל גבי רגלו מקנחו בכותל או בקורה אבל לא בקרקע שמא יבא להשוות גומות. לא ירוק בקרקע וישוף ברגלו שמא ישוה גומות. ומותר לדרוס הרוק שעל גבי קרקע והולך לפי תומו:
3
It is forbidden for women who [often] play with nuts, almonds, or the like, to play with them on the Sabbath,10 lest they be motivated to level crevices.
It is forbidden to sweep the ground, lest one level crevices,11 unless [the floor] is paved with stone.12 One may, however, sprinkle water on the ground. There is no suspicion that the person will level crevices, since this is not his intent.13
One may not apply oil to the floor,14 even if it is paved, nor may one blow [dust from the floor], nor may one wash it.15 This applies on a holiday,16 and surely on the Sabbath. These acts were forbidden lest a person follow his usual weekday pattern and thus come to level crevices in a place which is not paved.
ג
נשים המשחקות באגוזים ושקדים וכיוצא בהן אסורות לשחק בהן בשבת שמא יבאו להשוות גומות. ואסור לכבד את הקרקע שמא ישוה גומות אלא א"כ היה רצוף באבנים. ומותר לזלף מים על גבי הקרקע ואינו חושש שמא ישוה גומות שהרי אינו מתכוין לכך. אין סכין את הקרקע ואפילו היה רצוף באבנים ואין נופחין אותו ואין מדיחין אותו אפילו ביום טוב כל שכן בשבת. שלא יעשה כדרך שהוא עושה בחול ויבא להשוות גומות בזמן שהוא עושה כן במקום שאינו רצוף:
4
When a courtyard has become soiled in the rainy season, one may bring straw17 and spread18 it over [the courtyard]. When a person spreads [the straw], he should not spread it with a basket or with a container, but rather with the underside of the container, so that he will not follow his usual weekday pattern and thus come to level crevices.
ד
חצר שנתקלקל במימי הגשמים מביא תבן ומרדה בה. וכשהוא מרדה לא ירדה לא בסל ולא בקופה אלא בשולי הקופה שלא יעשה כדרך שהוא עושה בחול ויבא להשוות גומות:
5
A person who waters seeds [that have been planted] is liable for [performing a derivative of the forbidden labor of] sowing.19 Therefore, it is forbidden to draw water from a cistern using a pulley,20 lest one draw water for one's garden and one's ruin. On this basis, if a cistern with a pulley is located in one's courtyard, it is permitted to use the pulley to draw water.21
ה
המשקה את הזרעים חייב משום זורע. לפיכך אסור לשאוב מן הבור בגלגל גזרה שמא ימלא לגינתו ולחורבתו. ומפני זה אם היה הבור של גלגל בחצר מותר למלאות ממנו בגלגל:
6
A person who detaches [produce or wood] is liable for [performing a derivative of the forbidden labor of] reaping.22 Accordingly, it is forbidden to remove honey from a beehive on the Sabbath,23 because this resembles detaching [produce].24
We may not climb a tree;25 [this includes both] a fresh tree and one that has dried out.26 We may not suspend [articles from] a tree, nor may we lean on a tree. We may not climb a tree before the commencement of the Sabbath [with the intent of] remaining there for the entire day.27
We may not use any [plant] that is attached to the ground.28 This is a decree, lest one detach [produce].
ו
התולש חייב משום קוצר. לפיכך אסור לרדות דבש מכוורת בשבת מפני שהוא כתולש. אין עולין באילן בין לח בין יבש ואין נתלין באילן ואין נסמכין באילן. ולא יעלה מבעוד יום לישב שם כל היום כולו. ואין משתמשין במחובר לקרקע כלל גזרה שמא יתלוש:
7
Fruit that falls from a tree on the Sabbath may not be eaten until Saturday night; this is a decree lest one detach [produce].29
One may smell a myrtle that is attached [to its bush], because the only benefit one has from it is its fragrance, and its fragrance can be appreciated even when it is attached. In contrast, it is forbidden to smell an etrog, an apple, or any other [fruit] that is fit to be eaten while it is attached [to its tree]. This is a decree enacted lest one pick it to partake of it.30
ז
פירות שנשרו בשבת אסור לאכלן עד מוצאי שבת גזרה שמא יתלוש. הדס המחובר מותר להריח בו שאין הנייתו אלא להריח בו והרי ריחו מצוי. אבל אתרוג ותפוח וכל הראוי לאכילה אסור להריח בו במחובר גזרה שמא יקוץ אותו לאכלו:
8
It is forbidden to sit on the roots of a tree that project more than three handbreadths above the ground.31 If, however, they are less than three [handbreadths above the ground], they are considered as the ground itself.32
If [the roots] descend from three [handbreadths] above the ground to within three [handbreadths of the ground], it is permitted to make use of them.33 If they are three handbreadths above the ground [on one side] or if there is a cavity three [handbreadths high below them], it is forbidden to sit on them even when one side [of the roots] is level with the ground.34
ח
אילן שהיו שרשיו גבוהין מן הארץ שלשה טפחים אסור לישב עליהן. ואם אינן גבוהין שלשה הרי הן כארץ. היו באין מלמעלה משלשה לתוך שלשה מותר להשתמש בהן. היו גבוהין שלשה אף על פי שצדן אחד שוה לארץ או שיש חלל תחתיהן שלשה אסור לישב עליהן:
9
We may not ride on an animal on the Sabbath; this is a decree enacted35 lest one cut a branch [to use as a switch] to guide it.36 We may not hang from an animal, nor may we climb onto an animal before the Sabbath so that we can sit upon it on the Sabbath.
We may not support ourselves by leaning on an animal;37 we may, however use articles hanging from an animal as a support.
A person38 who climbs a tree on the Sabbath39 without being aware of the prohibition involved is allowed to descend.40 [In contrast, one who climbs up] in conscious violation [of the prohibition] is forbidden to descend.
[In contrast, should one mount] an animal, one may descend even if one [mounted it] in conscious violation of the prohibition. [This leniency is granted] in consideration of the pain [endured] by the animal.41 Similarly, we may remove a load from an animal on the Sabbath, because of the pain [endured] by the animal.
ט
אין רוכבין על גבי בהמה בשבת גזרה שמא יחתוך זמורה להנהיגה. ואין נתלין בבהמה ולא יעלה מבעוד יום לישב עליה בשבת. ואין נסמכין לצדי בהמה. וצדי צדדין מותרין. עלה באילן בשבת בשוגג מותר לירד. במזיד אסור לירד. ובבהמה אפילו במזיד ירד משום צער בעלי חיים. וכן פורקין המשאוי מעל הבהמה בשבת משום צער בעלי חיים.
10
What is implied?42 If a person's animal is carrying a haversack of grain, [he may unload the animal in an irregular manner; he should insert his head under [the load, so that] it will be shifted to the other side and fall.43
[The following rules apply when a person] enters [a city] from a journey on Friday night and his animal is carrying a burden: When he reaches the outermost courtyard of the city, he should remove the utensils that may be carried on the Sabbath. Regarding those that may not be carried, he should loosen the ropes that are holding the bags, and allow the sacks to fall.
[The following rules apply] if the sacks contain articles that might break. If the sacks are small, one may bring pillows and blankets and place them under them, so that the sacks will fall on the pillows. [This is permitted] because, if the person desires, he could slip the pillows out from under the sacks, since these sacks are small and light. Thus, one has not nullified the possibility of using a utensil prepared for use on the Sabbath.44
If [the sacks are large and contain] large pieces of glass, one should release the sacks and let them fall. Even if they break, there will not be a great loss, for [such pieces of glass] are intended to be melted down.45 [Therefore, only] a small loss [will be incurred],46and this is of no concern to the Sages.
If the sacks are large and contain glass utensils and the like, one should unload the sacks gently.47 One may not, however, leave them on the animal [for the entire Sabbath], because of the pain the animal [will suffer].
י
כיצד היתה בהמתו טעונה שליף של תבואה מכניס ראשו תחתיו ומסלקו לצד אחר והוא נופל מאליו. היה בא מן הדרך בליל שבת ובהמתו טעונה, כשיגיע לחצר החיצונה נוטל את הכלים הניטלין בשבת ושאינן ניטלין מתיר החבלים והשקין נופלין. היו בשקין דברים המשתברין, אם היו שקין קטנים מביא כרים וכסתות ומניח תחתיהן והשקין נופלין על הכרים, שהרי אם ירצה לשלוף הכר שולף מפני שהשקים קטנים וקלים ונמצא שלא בטל הכלי מהיכנו. היתה טעונה עששיות של זכוכית מתיר השקים והן נופלין שאף על פי שישברו אין בכך הפסד גדול שהרי הכל להתכה עומד ולהפסד מועט לא חששו. היו השקים גדולים ומלאים כלי זכוכית וכיוצא בהם פורק בנחת. ומכל מקום לא יניחן שם על גבי בהמה משום צער בעלי חיים:
11
A person who presses fruits together until they become a single entity is liable for [performing the forbidden labor of] collecting food.48 Therefore, a person whose fruits have been spread throughout his courtyard49 may collect them by hand and partake of them.50 He should not, however, place them into a basket or into a container as he does during the week. Were he to follow his ordinary weekday practice, there is the possibility that he would press them with his hands in the container and perform the forbidden labor of collecting food.51
Similarly, salt or the like should not be collected into a single block, because it appears as if one is collecting food.52
יא
המדבק פירות עד שיעשו גוף אחד חייב משום מעמר. לפיכך מי שנתפזרו לו פירות בחצרו מלקט על יד על יד ואוכל. אבל לא יתן לא לתוך הסל ולא לתוך הקופה כדרך שהוא עושה בחול. שאם יעשה כדרך שהוא עושה בחול שמא יכבשם בידו בתוך הקופה ויבא לידי עימור. וכן אין מקבצין את המלח וכיוצא בו מפני שנראה כמעמר:
12
A person who extracts [food from raw produce is liable for performing a derivative of] threshing. One who squeezes olives and grapes is liable for extracting.53 Therefore, it is forbidden to squeeze berries or pomegranates. Since some people squeeze them [for juice]54 like olives and grapes, [were this to be allowed,] one might come to squeeze olives and grapes. It is, however, permitted to squeeze other fruit - e.g., quince, apples, and crab apples - on the Sabbath, since they are not usually squeezed.55
יב
מפרק חייב משום דש. והסוחט זיתים וענבים חייב משום מפרק. לפיכך אסור לסחוט תותים ורמונים הואיל ומקצת בני אדם סוחטים אותם כזיתים וענבים שמא יבוא לסחוט זיתים וענבים. אבל שאר פירות כגון פרישין ותפוחים ועוזרדין מותר לסוחטן בשבת מפני שאינן בני סחיטה:
13
It is permitted to squeeze pickled or cooked foods to soften them.56 If, however, one's intent is to extract liquid from them,57 it is forbidden.58
We may not crush snow, so that liquid will flow from it.59 One may, however, crush [snow] into a bowl or into a cup.60
[The following rules apply to] garlic, unripe grapes, and unripe grain that were crushed before the commencement of the Sabbath: If it is necessary that they be crushed [further], it is forbidden to continue crushing them on the Sabbath. If it is necessary that they [merely] be ground by hand,61 it is permitted to complete grinding them on the Sabbath.
Accordingly, it is permitted to continue grinding kernels of grain with a wooden spoon in a pot62 on the Sabbath after [the pot] was removed from the fire.63
יג
כבשין ושלקות שסחטן. אם לרכך גופן מותר ואם להוציא מימיהן אסור. ואין מרסקין את השלג שיזובו מימיו. אבל מרסק הוא לתוך הקערה או לתוך הכוס. השום והבוסר והמלילות שריסקן מבעוד יום. אם מחוסרין דיכה אסור לגמור דיכתן בשבת. ואם מחוסרין שחיקה ביד מותר לו לגמור שחיקתן בשבת. לפיכך מותר לגמור שחיקת הריפות בעץ הפרור בתוך הקדירה בשבת אחר שמורידין אותה מעל האש:
14
One may remove grain from husks in an abnormal manner so that it does not appear that one is extracting.64
[An adult] who sucks milk with his mouth is not liable.65 If, however, he is groaning [from pain],66 it is permissible. Since he is extracting [the milk] in an abnormal manner67 and he is in pain, the Sages do not forbid this, despite the fact that there is no danger involved.
יד
המולל מלילות מולל בשנוי כדי שלא יראה כדש. היונק בפיו פטור. ואם היה גונח מותר לו לינק בפיו מפני שהוא מפרק כלאחר יד ומשום צערו לא גזרו ואף על פי שאין שם סכנה:
15
The following rules apply when] liquids flow from fruit on the Sabbath:68 If they are olives or grapes,69 it is forbidden to partake of these liquids until Saturday night, lest one intentionally squeeze [these fruits] on the Sabbath.
If they are berries or pomegranates,70 [the following rules apply]: If the person takes them [home] to eat, the beverages that flow from them are permitted.71 If he takes them [home] to press them [and extract their juice], the beverages that flow from them are forbidden until Saturday night.
טו
פירות שזבו מהן משקין בשבת. אם זיתים וענבים הן אסור לשתות אותן המשקין עד מוצאי שבת גזרה שמא יתכוין ויסחוט אותן בשבת. ואם תותים ורמונים הן. אם הכניסן לאכילה משקין שזבו מהן מותרין. ואם הכניסן לדורכן משקין שזבו מהן אסורין עד מוצאי שבת:
16
When grapes or olives are crushed on Friday, the liquids that flow from them on the Sabbath on their own accord are permitted. Similarly, when honeycombs are crushed on Friday, the liquid that flows out on its own accord on the Sabbath is permitted. There is no reason for a prohibition [to be imposed], since they were already crushed on [Friday].72
טז
זיתים וענבים שריסקן מערב שבת ויצאו מהן משקין מעצמן מותרין. וכן חלות דבש שריסקן מערב שבת משקין היוצאין מהן בשבת מותרין. שאין כאן מקום לגזרה שכבר ריסקן מבערב:
17
Winnowing and selecting are primary categories of [forbidden] labor.73 Therefore, even though a person is permitted to remove grain from husks with his fingertips,74 when he blows air [over them to cause the husks to fall],75 he may do so [only while holding them] in one hand,76 blowing with all his strength. He may not, however, use a tray or a pot with compartments,77 lest he use a sifter or a strainer, for which he is liable.
Filtering dregs is a derivative [of either of the forbidden labors] of selecting or of sifting.78 Therefore, even though it is permitted to filter clear wine or clear water79 using a handkerchief or an Egyptian basket,80one should not make a hollow in the handkerchief [to gather the dregs] as one does during the week, lest one filter [dregs] with a filter. Similarly, it is forbidden to hang a filter as one does during the week, lest one filter [dregs with it].81
Causing milk to curdle [to make cheese] is a derivative [of the category] of separating.82 Therefore, even though it is permitted to place sesame seeds and nuts into honey, one should not mix them into a block with one's hands.83
יז
זורה ובורר מאבות מלאכות הן לפיכך אף על פי שמותר למלול מלילות בראשי אצבעותיו. כשהוא מנפח מנפח בידו אחת בכל כחו. אבל לא בקנון ולא בתמחוי גזרה שמא ינפה בנפה ובכברה שהוא חייב. והמשמר שמרים תולדת בורר או מרקד הוא. לפיכך אף על פי שמותר לסנן יין צלול או מים צלולין בסודרין או בכפיפה מצרית. לא יעשה גומא בסודר שלא יעשה כדרך שהוא עושה בחול ויבא לשמר במשמרת. וכן אסור לתלות את המשמרת כדרך שהוא עושה בחול שמא יבא לשמר. וכן המחבץ תולדת בורר הוא. לפיכך אע"פ שנותנין שומשמין ואגוזים לדבש לא יחבצם בידו:
18
[A person who] cuts vegetables into small pieces in order to cook84 them is liable [for performing] a derivative [of the forbidden labor] of grinding.85 Therefore, it is forbidden to shred straw86 or carobs87 for animals, whether in large or small pieces, because it appears as if one is grinding.88 One may, however, cut gourds for an animal, or an animal carcass89 for dogs, for there is no concept of grinding regarding fruit.90
We may untie bundles of straw for an animal. One may spread out91 small sheaves, but not large ones,92 because this entails effort.93
יח
המחתך את הירק דק דק כדי לבשלו הרי זה תולדת טוחן וחייב. לפיכך אין מרסקין לא את השחת ולא את החרובין לפני בהמה בין דקה בין גסה מפני שנראה כטוחן. אבל מחתכין את הדלועין לפני הבהמה ואת הנבלה לפני הכלבים שאין טחינה בפירות. ומתירין אלומות של עמיר לפני בהמה ומפספס בידו אלומות קטנות אבל לא אלומות גדולות מפני הטורח שבהן:
19
One may partake of bundles of siah, ezov, and kornit94 and the like that were stored for use as animal fodder.95 One may break off some with one's fingertips, but should not break off a large amount with one's hands, so that one does not follow one's weekday practice and come to crush them.96
יט
חבילי פיאה ואזוב וקורנית וכיוצא בהן שהכניסן למאכל בהמה מסתפק מהן וקוטם ואוכל בראשי אצבעותיו אבל לא בידו הרבה שלא יעשה כדרך שהוא עושה בחול ויבא לדוק:
20
A person who must pulverize pepper and the like to season food on the Sabbath should crush it with the handle of a knife against the bowl.97 It is forbidden to use a pestle, for one is grinding.98 For this reason, it is forbidden for a healthy person to take medication on the Sabbath. This is a decree [enacted] lest one grind herbs.
כ
הצריך לדוק פלפלים וכיוצא בהן ליתן לתוך המאכל בשבת הרי זה כותש ביד הסכין ובקערה אבל לא במכתשת מפני שהוא טוחן. לפיכך אסור לבריא להתרפאות בשבת גזרה שמא ישחוק הסממנין:
21
What is implied? A person99 should not partake of foods that are not ordinarily eaten by healthy people100 - e.g., hyssop and piah101 - nor herbs that cause diarrhea - e.g., wormwood and the like. Nor should one drink beverages that are not ordinarily drunk by healthy people - e.g., water cooked with herbs and grasses.
כא
כיצד לא יאכל דברים שאינן מאכל בריאים כגון אזוביון ופיאה. ולא דברים המשלשלים כגון לענה וכיוצא בהם. וכן לא ישתה דברים שאין דרך הבריאים לשתותן כגון מים שבשלו בהן סממנין ועשבים:
22
A person102 may, however, partake of coriander seed, hops, hyssop,103 and other foods and beverages that healthy people frequently eat and drink. Although they are being healed as they eat, this is permitted, since the food is ordinarily eaten by healthy people.104
A person who has drunk chiltit105 before the Sabbath on several occasions may drink it on the Sabbath,106 even in places where it is not customary for healthy people to drink chiltit.107 Egyptian beer108 may be drunk in all places.
כב
אוכל אדם אוכלין ומשקין שדרך הבריאים לאוכלן ולשתותן כגון הכסברא והכשות והאזוב אף על פי שהן מרפאין ואוכלן כדי להתרפאות בהם מותר הואיל והם מאכל בריאים. שתה חלתית מקודם השבת והרי הוא שותה והולך מותר לשתותו בשבת (אפילו) במקומות (שלא) נהגו הבריאים לשתות החלתית. ושותין זיתום המצרי בכל מקום:
23
[Similar concepts apply regarding oils:] A person is allowed to anoint himself on the Sabbath with oils that healthy people use to anoint themselves, even though his intent is for healing purposes. It is, however, forbidden [to anoint oneself with oils] that are not used by healthy people.109
A person who has groinal discomfort may not apply wine or vinegar.110 He may, however, apply oil. One may use rose oil only in places where healthy people anoint themselves with it.111 It is permitted to anoint oneself with oil and salt in all places.112
A person who wounded his hand or foot may soak it in wine,113 but not in vinegar.114 If his [constitution] is delicate, he is even forbidden [to soak it] in wine.
כג
וכן שמנים שדרך הבריאים לסוך בהן מותר לסוך בהן בשבת ואף על פי שנתכוין לרפואה. ושאין הבריאים סכין בהן אסורין. החושש במתניו לא יסוך יין וחומץ אבל סך הוא את השמן. ולא שמן ורד אלא במקום שהבריאים סכין אותו. ומותר לסוך שמן ומלח בכל מקום. נגפה ידו או רגלו צומתה ביין ואינו צומתה בחומץ ואם היה ענוג אף ביין אסור:
24
A person who feels discomfort in his teeth may not sip vinegar and spit it out.115 He may, however, sip it and swallow it. A person who has a sore throat may not gargle with oil. He may, however, drink large amounts of oil, and if he is cured in this manner, it is [welcome].116
We may not chew gum.117 A person may not brush his teeth with herbs on the Sabbath if his intent is to cure [discomfort].118 If, however, he intends to improve the fragrance of his breath, it is permitted.119
כד
החושש בשיניו לא יגמע בהן את החומץ ויפלוט אבל מגמע הוא ובולע. החושש בגרונו לא יערענו בשמן אבל בולע הוא שמן הרבה ואם נתרפא נתרפא. אין לועסין את המסטכי ואין שפין את השנים בסם בשבת בזמן שנתכוין לרפואה. ואם נתכוין לריח הפה מותר:
25
One may not apply wine to one's eyes, but one may place it on one's eyelids.120 It is forbidden to apply saliva taken from a person before he ate - even to one's eyelids. An eye salve that was left to soak on Friday121 may be applied to one's eyes on the Sabbath without hesitation.
A person whose finger becomes wounded should not wind a reed122 around it to heal it,123 nor should he squeeze it tightly with his hand so that it bleeds.
כה
אין נותנין יין לתוך העין אבל נותן הוא על גב העין. ורוק תפל אפילו על גב העין אסור. קילור ששרה אותו מערב שבת מעבירו על גב עינו בשבת ואינו חושש. מי שלקה באצבעו לא יכרוך עליו גמי כדי לרפאותו ולא ידחקנו בידו כדי להוציא ממנו דם:
26
We may not place hot water or oil124 on a wound, nor on a wad of unprocessed fabric that is above a wound, nor on a wad of unprocessed fabric to be placed on a wound.125 We may, however, apply it outside the wound [so that] it will flow into the wound.
We may place a dry wad of unprocessed fabric on a wound. If, however, it is aged fabric, this is forbidden, since this is like applying a bandage.126
כו
אין נותנין חמין ושמן על גבי המכה. ולא על גבי מוך שעל גבי המכה. ולא על גבי מוך ליתנו על המכה בשבת. אבל נותן הוא חוץ למכה ושותת ויורד למכה. ונותנין מוך יבש על גבי המכה. ואם היה עתיק אסור מפני שהוא כרטיה.
27
A bandage that has fallen onto a utensil may be put back [on a wound].127 If, however, it falls to the ground, one is forbidden to put it back.128
We may place a bandage on a wound for the first time in the Temple [on the Sabbath],129 for the prohibitions classified as sh'vut do not apply in the Temple.130 In all places, one is allowed to clean the opening of a wound. One may not, however, clean a bandage, lest one spread [a salve].131
כז
רטיה שפרשה על גבי כלי מחזירין אותה. ואם פרשה על גבי קרקע אסור להחזירה. ומניחין רטיה על גבי המכה לכתחלה במקדש שאין אסור שבות במקדש. ובכל מקום מקנחין פי המכה ואין מקנחין את הרטיה שמא ימרח:
28
One may apply oil and massage132 the intestines on the Sabbath, provided that one applies oil and massages at the same time, so that one will not follow one's weekday practice.
One may not work-out on the Sabbath. What is meant by a work-out? Others tread on a person's body forcefully until he becomes exerted and begins to perspire, or a person walks [vigorously]133 until he exerts himself and begins to perspire. It is forbidden to exert oneself on the Sabbath to the extent of perspiring, for this is a therapeutic practice. Similarly, one may not stand in mud baths in Eretz Yisrael, because this is exerting and therapeutic.
כח
סכין וממשמשין בבני מעים בשבת והוא שיסוך וימשמש בבת אחת כדי שלא יעשה כדרך שהוא עושה בחול. ואין מתעמלין בשבת. אי זה הוא מתעמל זה שדורסים על גופו בכח עד שייגע ויזיע או שיהלך עד שייגע ויזיע. שאסור ליגע את עצמו כדי שיזיע בשבת מפני שהיא רפואה. וכן אסור לעמוד בקרקע דימוסית שבארץ ישראל מפני שמעמלת ומרפאת:
29
One may not wash in water that causes diarrhea, nor in quicksand,134 nor in water [in which flax was left to] soak and which has turned foul smelling, nor in the Dead Sea, nor in the foul water in the Mediterranean,135 because all of these cause discomfort, and [Isaiah 58:13] states, "And you shall call the Sabbath a delight."
Accordingly, if one does not remain in these [bodies of water] for an extended time, but rather emerges immediately, it is permitted136even though one has sores on one's scalp.
כט
אין רוחצין במים שמשלשלין ולא בטיט שטובעין בו ולא במי משרה הבאושים ולא בים סדום ולא במים הרעים שבים הגדול מפני שכל אלו צער הן וכתוב וקראת לשבת עונג. לפיכך אם לא נשתהה בהם אלא עלה מיד אע"פ שיש לו חטטין בראשו מותר:
30
We may not scrape our skin with a utensil used for that purpose.137 If, however, one's hands are soiled with feces or with mud, one may scrape in one's ordinary manner without concern.
We may apply oil to and peel off [the scabs of] a human's [wound]138 for pleasure,139 but not those of an animal. If, however, the animal is in discomfort, we may apply oil and peel off [its scabs] to eliminate aggravation.140
When an animal has eaten an excessive amount of beans, we may have it run in the courtyard so that it is cured. If it turns red,141 we may have it stand in water so that it will cool. We do not suspect that one will grind herbs.142
ל
אין מתגרדין במגרדת ואם היו ידיו מלוכלכות בצואה או בטיט גורד כדרכו ואינו חושש. סכין ומפרכין לאדם לענג אבל לא לבהמה. ואם היה לה צער מותר להסיר צערה בסיכה ופירוך. בהמה שאכלה כרשינין הרבה מריצין אותה בחצר בשביל שתתרפא. ואם אחזה דם מעמידין אותה במים בשביל שתצטנן ואין חוששין שמא ישחק לה סמנין:
31
A person may not cause himself to vomit food on the Sabbath. When does this apply? When he uses a drug,143 for he may come to crush herbs. It is, however, permitted to place one's hand down one's throat so that one will vomit.
It is forbidden to press the stomach of an infant so that he will defecate,144 lest one give him curative herbs. It is permitted to place a cup over an [infant's] navel to lift it up.145 It is permitted to place a neck-brace or hip-girdle around a child.146 Similarly, one may lift up [the tendons of a child's] ears, whether by hand or with an instrument, and lift up cartilage on one's chest.147 For all of these [activities] are performed [by hand], and not with herbs. Since [the person] is in pain and there is no suspicion that one may crush [herbs,] [these activities are permitted].148
לא
אין מקיאין את האוכל בשבת. בד"א בסם שמא ישחק סמנין אבל להכניס ידו לתוך פיו ולהקיא מותר. ואסור לדחוק כריסו של תינוק כדי להוציא הרעי שלו שמא יבא להשקותו סמנין המשלשלין. ומותר לכפות כוס על הטבור בשבת כדי להעלותו. וכן מותר ליחנק וללפף את הקטן ולהעלות אזנים בין ביד בין בכלי. ולהעלות אנקלי. שכל אלו וכיוצא בהן אין עושין אותן בסמנין כדי לחוש לשחיקה ויש לו צער מהן:
32
Sifting is one of the categories of forbidden labor.149 Therefore, we may not sift straw in a sieve or place a sieve with straw in a high place so that the chaff will fall,150 since this is like sifting. One may, however, place straw in a sieve and carry it to [an animal's] feeding trough, even though the chaff falls while one is transferring it, since this is not one's intent.151
לב
המרקד מאבות מלאכות. לפיכך אין כוברין את התבן בכברה ולא יניח הכברה שיש בה תבן במקום גבוה בשביל שירד המוץ מפני שהוא כמרקד. אבל נוטל התבן בכברה ומוליך לאבוס אע"פ שירד המוץ בשעת הולכה שהרי אינו מתכוין לכך:
33
A person who creates a mixture of small particles and water is liable for [performing a derivative of the forbidden labor of] kneading.152 Therefore, one may not make a mixture of a large amount of roasted flour,153 lest one come to knead unroasted flour.154 One may, however, mix [small amounts] of roasted [flour] a little at a time.
In contrast, shatit, i.e., grain that has not matured to a third of its fullness155 and is roasted and coarsely ground, resembles sand. Large quantities of it may be mixed with vinegar and the like at once, provided the mixture is soft.156 If it is firm, it is forbidden, for it appears as though one is kneading.
[Even when making a soft mixture,] one must deviate from one's ordinary practice. What is implied? First, one must put in the shatit and then the vinegar.157
לג
מגבל חייב משום לש. לפיכך אין מגבלין קמח קלי הרבה שמא יבוא ללוש קמח שאינו קלי. ומותר לגבל את הקלי מעט מעט. אבל תבואה שלא הביאה שליש שקלו אותה ואחר כך טחנו אותה טחינה גסה שהרי הוא כחול והיא הנקראת שתית מותר לגבל ממנה בחומץ וכיוצא בו הרבה בבת אחת. והוא שיהיה רך אבל קשה אסור מפני שנראה כלש וצריך לשנות. כיצד נותן את השתית ואחר כך נותן את החומץ:
34
Although bran does not produce a mixture resembling a dough,158 it is forbidden to be mixed with water, lest one mix earth159 and the like.
One may pour water over bran and stir it with a spoon in all directions.160 One may not mix it with one's hands, so that it will not appear that one is kneading. If it does not mix well, one may pour it from one container to another until it mixes well, and then give it to the chickens or the oxen.
It is permissible to mix bran in the above manner in one container and then divide it into several containers, giving each animal [its portion]. One may mix even a kor or two korim [of bran together] in one container.161
לד
המורסן אע"פ שאינו ראוי לגבול אין גובלין אותו שמא יבוא לגבול העפר וכיוצא בו. ונותנין מים על גבי מורסן ומוליך בו התרווד שתי וערב. אבל אינו ממרס בידו שלא יראה כלש. אם לא נתערב מנערו מכלי לכלי עד שיתערב ונותן לפני התרנגולין או לפני השוורים. ומותר לערב המורסן על דרך זו בכלי אחד ומחלק אותו בכלים הרבה ונותן לפני כל בהמה ובהמה ומערב בכלי אחד אפילו כור ואפילו כוריים:
35
One may not [force-]feed domesticated animals, beasts, or fowl on the Sabbath in the same way as one feeds them during the week, lest one crush beans, knead flour, or [perform another] similar [activity].162
What is implied? On the Sabbath, one should not feed a camel enough food for three or four days.163 One may not throw down a calf or the like, hold its mouth open and pour in beans and water at one time.164 Similarly, one may not place [food deep] in the mouths of doves or chickens, in a place from which they cannot spit it out.
One may, however, feed an animal while it is standing and give it water while it is standing,165 or one may place both water and beans separately in its mouth,166 provided it is possible for [the animal] to spit them up. Similarly, one may feed fowl by hand as long as they can spit the food up.167 Needless to say, one may place food before the animals so that they can eat.
לה
אין מאכילין בהמה חיה ועוף בשבת כדרך שהוא מאכיל בחול שמא יבוא לידי כתישת קטניות או לידי לישת קמח וכיוצא בו. כיצד לא יאכיל הגמל בשבת מאכל שלשה או ארבעה ימים ולא ירביץ עגל וכיוצא בו ויפתח פיו ויתן לתוכו כרשינין ומים בבת אחת. וכן לא יתן לתוך פי יונים ותרנגולים למקום שאינן יכולין להחזיר. אבל מאכיל הוא את הבהמה מעומד ומשקה אותה מעומד או נותן לתוך פיה מים בפני עצמן וכרשינין בפני עצמן במקום שיכולה להחזיר. וכן מאכיל העוף בידו במקום שיכול להחזיר ואין צריך לומר שיתן לפניהן והן אוכלין:
36
When does [the license to feed animals] mentioned above apply? Regarding an animal that one is responsible for feeding - e.g., one's domesticated animals, one's beasts, doves raised within one's home, geese, and chickens.168 One may not, by contrast, provide food or water for animals that one is not responsible for feeding - e.g., pigs,169 doves raised in a dovecote, and bees.170
A person may lead his animal directly to grass that is still growing and allow it to eat. He may not, by contrast, lead it to [food] that has been set aside [not to be used on the Sabbath].171One may, nevertheless, stand in front of the animal until it turns, and, on its own accord, heads to the food that has been set aside and partakes of it. The same [laws apply] on the holidays.
לו
במה דברים אמורים במי שמזונותיו עליו כגון בהמתו וחייתו ויוני הבית ואווזין ותרנגולין, אבל מי שאין מזונותיו עליו כגון חזיר ויוני שובך ודבורים לא יתן לפניהם לא מזון ולא מים. ומותר לאדם להעמיד בהמתו על גבי עשבים (מחוברים) והיא אוכלת. אבל לא יעמיד אותה על גבי דבר שהוקצה אבל עומד בפניה כדי שתחזיר פניה לדבר המוקצה ותאכל ממנו. וכן ביום טוב
FOOTNOTES
1.As mentioned in the notes on Chapter 1, this statement has raised the attention of the commentaries concerned with how the Rambam defines the scope of the positive commandment to cease activity on the Sabbath. Many authorities explain that this positive commandment is merely a restatement of the prohibition against performing forbidden labors. Others (see the commentary of the Ramban on Leviticus 23:24) understand the command as requiring a person must to refrain from any and all activities that will disturb the Sabbath atmosphere of serene rest. The Rambam's wording in this halachah appears to support the latter view.
Support for this opinion can also be drawn from the phraseology chosen by the Rambam in Chapter 24, Halachah 12, the conclusion of the discussion of this issue in the Mishneh Torah:
Lest the day be like a weekday in the person's eyes, and he come to repair [articles,] lifting them up from corner to corner.... For he is sitting idle, and he will seek something to do. Thus, he will not have "ceased activity" and will have negated the motivating principle for the Torah's commandment [Deuteronomy 5:14], "Thus... will rest."
In this quote as well, the Rambam emphasizes that the commandment to rest in Exodus 23:12 encompasses holding back from performing any activity that will disturb the atmosphere of rest and peace that characterizes the Sabbath.
2.The Rambam uses the next four chapters to delineate various activities that were forbidden because of the two reasons he mentions above. In his discussion of this matter, he gives examples of activities that are related to each of the categories of forbidden labor.
3.This refers to a person who levels crevices in a field (Chapter 8, Halachah 1). If one performs such an activity in a home, one is liable for performing the forbidden labor of building (Chapter 10, Halachah 12).
4.See Chapter 26, Halachah 15.
5.In his Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 18:1), the Rambam elaborates on this concept, explaining that a person who removes the contents of a storeroom is likely to discover cracks and crevices in the ground. Our Sages, therefore, imposed this restriction lest he level the floor. Indeed, the only reason the person is allowed to empty the storeroom is that he intends to perform a mitzvah.
6.Or shoes (Ramah, Orach Chayim 302:6).
7.The Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.) also mentions an opinion that forbids wiping the mud on a stone wall, lest it appear that one is replastering the wall.
8.See the Mishnah Berurah 316:49, which questions whether this restriction applies to a paved or unpaved floor. (In this context, see also the Jerusalem Talmud, Shabbat 7:2.)
9.The Maggid Mishneh cites the use of a similar expression in Chapter 11, Halachah 4. In the notes on that halachah, it is explained that there are two interpretations of the phrase: a) that one may intentionally step on the substance in question and merely make it appear that one is doing so accidentally; b) that one may proceed without worrying whether one steps on the substance or not. (See also the restatement of this law in Chapter 26, Halachah 13.)
10.When mentioning this law, the Ramah (Orach Chayim 338:5) cites the Rambam's statements in Chapter 23, Halachah 17, which forbid gambling on the Sabbath. Thus, to avoid redundancy, we are forced to say that the play mentioned here is obviously mere sport. Nevertheless, it is forbidden for the reasons mentioned above.
11.The Rambam appears to forbid sweeping the floor, lest in the process of doing so, one decides to level the floor. Since both sweeping and leveling are intended to make one's floor look attractive, it is likely that while a person is involved in one activity, he will also perform the other (Rav Yitzchak ben Sheshet, Responsum 394).
Other commentaries explain that the reason is that it is inevitable that a person will level an earthen floor while sweeping it. Therefore, sweeping is forbidden even though the person does not intend to level the floor, based on the principle the Rambam states in Chapter 1, Halachah 6.
12.The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 337:2) follows the Rambam's ruling and allows one to sweep a paved floor. The Ramah, however, differs and maintains that it is forbidden. (See the Be'ur Halachah 337, which cites many opinions that encourage leniency.) Even those opinions that allow one to sweep emphasize that one must be careful regarding the type of broom used. A broom whose bristles are likely to break may not be used.
13.This refers to sprinkling water in a house to keep the dust from rising. Although there is a possibility that the water and the dust will collect and cause the floor to become level, there is no prohibition because this is not the person's intent. As the Rambam mentions in Chapter 1, Halachah 5, a person may perform an act that causes a forbidden labor to be accomplished if he does not intend for that labor to be accomplished, and there is not an absolute certainty that it will be accomplished.
14.In Talmudic times, oil was frequently applied to the floor of a bathhouse. (See Shabbat 40b.)
15.Sweeping a floor is considered a necessary act to maintain an atmosphere of cleanliness on the Sabbath. These other activities, however, are not as essential (Maggid Mishneh; Shulchan Aruch HaRav 337:4; Mishnah Berurah 337:17).
16.Note, however, Hilchot Korban Pesach 1:16, which states that after the Paschal offerings had been sacrificed, the floor of the Temple courtyard was washed, even when the celebration of Pesach began on the Sabbath. All the prohibitions of the category of sh'vut were not enforced in the Temple.
17.Straw is acceptable for this purpose since it is fit to be eaten by an animal. Hence, it will not be considered as having been made a permanent part of the courtyard. If, by contrast, earth, pebbles, or sand are used, they would be considered as having been permanently incorporated into the floor of the courtyard. This is considered as building and is, hence, forbidden (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 313:24; Mishnah Berurah 313:55).
18.When quoting this halachah (which is based on Eruvin 104a), the Shulchan Aruch uses a different verb, זורה, which means "toss into." This difference also leads to a variation in the manner in which the concept mentioned in our halachah's final clause is interpreted there.
19.See Chapter 8, Halachah 2.
20.Eruvin 104a relates that water was drawn from a cistern by a pulley in the Temple, but that this is forbidden outside the Temple premises.
21.The location of the cistern clearly indicates that its water is intended to be used for household purposes. In the Kessef Mishneh, Rav Yosef Karo explains that even if a cistern is not located in a courtyard, as long as it is distant from a place where the water might be used for commercial purposes, one may draw water with a pulley. In the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 338:6), he mentions further leniencies.
22.See Chapter 8, Halachah 3.
23.If, however, the honey has oozed or has been removed from the beehive before the commencement of the Sabbath, it may be used. (See the rulings of the Shulchan Aruch and the Ramah [Orach Chayim 321:13].)
24.Note the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (Sh'vi'it 10:7).
25.This prohibition, as all the others mentioned in this halachah, was also instituted lest one detach fruit from a tree. (Note also the Shulchan Aruch [Orach Chayim 372:15], which mentions an exception to this principle.)
26.The commentaries question whether the Rambam's intent is that one is liable for detaching wood from a dried tree, or that this is merely a safeguard. (See Magen Avraham 336:1.)
27.See Halachah 9 regarding whether or not a person who climbs a tree is allowed to descend on the Sabbath.
28.Note the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 312:6), which mentions an exception to this principle.
29.Rav Moshe Cohen differs with the rationale given by the Rambam and explains that the reason these fruits are forbidden is that they are considered muktzeh, i.e., since picking them would involve transgressing a prohibition, one does not consider using them on the Sabbath. Others explain that they are forbidden, because they are nolad, i.e., the potential to use them did not come about until after the commencement of the Sabbath. Accordingly, it is forbidden to move them on the Sabbath. From the location in the Shulchan Aruch in which this law appears, Orach Chayim 322:3, one might infer that Rav Yosef Karo follows Rav Moshe Cohen's opinion.
The Rambam accepts the principle of nolad only in regard to the festivals, and not in regard to the Sabbath (see Hilchot Sh'vitat Yom Tov 1:17) and does not consider the concept of muktzeh applicable here.
30.The Rambam follows Rabbenu Yitzchak Alfasi's version of Sukkot 37b. Rabbenu Chanan'el and others reverse the laws and grant the leniency regarding smelling an etrog and the like, but not a myrtle. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 336:10) quotes the Rambam's view.
31.This is considered equivalent to climbing a tree (Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah, Eruvin 10:8).
32.Based on the principle of l'vud.
33.I.e., the portion that is within three handbreadths of the ground.
34.The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 336:2) mentions that it is even forbidden for them to sit on the side of the roots that is level with the ground. The difference between this law and the previous one is that in the previous law, the roots themselves descended within three handbreadths of the ground. In this law, a portion of the ground is upraised and is level with the roots.
35.Although one is forbidden to cause an animal to carry a burden, riding an animal is not forbidden according to the Torah, because of the principle, "a living being carries itself." Nevertheless, there is a Rabbinic prohibition involved, as the Rambam explains.
36.Beitzah 36b mentions another reason: perhaps one will ride beyond the Sabbath limits. Apparently the Rambam does not see these two positions as mutually exclusive.
Note, however, the Chatam Sofer (Vol. VI, Responsum 96), who writes that our Sages were motivated by a desire to have animals rest on the Sabbath, and the rationales mentioned in the Talmud were of secondary importance. Sefer HaKovetz notes that, in fact, the Jerusalem Talmud mentions the desire that animals rest as the source for this law.
37.When our Sages forbade riding on an animal, they also forbade using an animal for any other purpose (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 305:23; Mishnah Berurah 305:62). These prohibitions apply in all places, even in a desert where there are no trees from which one might detach a branch.
The Maggid Mishneh states that this prohibition applies also regarding articles hanging from trees. Support for this position can be derived from the Rambam's statements in Hilchot Sukkah 4:6, which prohibit use of both a sukkah constructed in a tree as well as one on an animal's back on the first day of the holiday.
38.If, however, a utensil was placed in a tree on or before the Sabbath, it may not be removed (Maggid Mishneh; Ramah [Orach Chayim 336:1]).
39.If, however, he climbed the tree before the commencement of the Sabbath, he may descend on the Sabbath (Maggid Mishneh). Although the Rambam's view is accepted by most authorities, the Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.) also mentions a more stringent opinion.
40.Although the person makes use of the tree in his process of descent, this is not forbidden. For the alternative available to him, staying in the tree for the entire Sabbath, also involves making use of the tree (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 336:2; Mishnah Berurah 336:6).
41.See Chapter 25, Halachah 26, for added leniencies granted in consideration of suffering endured by an animal. (See also the commentaries on Hilchot Rotzeach 13:9,13, which discuss the halachic ramifications of this principle. Note also The Guide to the Perplexed, Vol. III, chapter 17.)
42.The restrictive process of unloading an animal's burden described by the Rambam in this halachah is necessary only when the articles the animal is carrying are muktzeh (forbidden to be moved on the Sabbath day). If the articles are not muktzeh, they may be unloaded in an ordinary manner, provided one does not lean on the animal.
From this, the Mishnah Berurah 305:65 derives that the prohibition against causing an animal's suffering is not strong enough to supersede the prohibition against muktzeh.
43.Although the grain is muktzeh, as long as one does not move it with one's hands, one is not violating the prohibition (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 305:24). See also Chapter 24:14-15.
44.There are commentaries that emphasize that this is also a leniency. It is forbidden to nullify the possibility of using a utensil even temporarily. Hence, the only reason that putting the pillows under the sacks is permitted is that there is a substantial loss involved (Mishnah Berurah 266:27).
Note, however, the Maggid Mishneh, who mentions opinions that explain that since one can remove the pillows one by one at any time, one is never nullifying a utensil from being used.
45.Rashi (Shabbat 154b) offers a slightly different interpretation of the type of glass used and the purpose for which it was intended.
46.I.e., although the larger pieces will break when they fall, the broken pieces that will remain will also be able to be used for the original purpose. Only a small quantity of glass will be totally useless.
47.Although unloading the glass utensils slowly will inevitably involve lifting the forbidden articles slightly, the Sages permitted this because of the loss involved (Maggid Mishneh; Shulchan Aruch HaRav 266:24).
Note also Shulchan Aruch Harav 266:25, which grants a further leniency and allows pillows and covers to be placed under large utensils in the case of a substantial loss, if there is no other alternative. Even though there is no way to remove the pillows from under the utensils on the Sabbath, this leniency is permitted because of the potential loss. The Be'ur Halachah 266 explains that this is a matter of controversy among the halachic authorities.
48.See Chapter 8, Halachah 6.
49.The commentaries note that the Rambam's words seem to indicate that one is liable for collecting produce even when one does so far from the place where the produce originally grew. This issue is a point of disagreement among the commentaries. (See the notes on Chapter 8, Halachah 5.)
50.Significantly, Tosafot, Shabbat 143b, suggests omitting the phrase "and partake of them." (Note the Be'ur Halachah 335.)
51.Although the prohibition against gathering produce is explicitly stated in Shabbat 143b, the rationale for the prohibition is a matter of debate among the halachic authorities. The reason suggested by the Rambam is not accepted by most, and other reasons are offered:
a) it is possible that pebbles might be mixed in with the produce and thus one might come to perform the forbidden labor of separating (Rashba);
b) gathering produce is a weekday activity and its performance runs contrary to the atmosphere of peace and rest prevalent on the Sabbath (Beit Yosef, Orach Chayim 335). These are the rationales reflected in the rulings of the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 335:5).
52.According to the Torah, the forbidden labor of collecting food applies only with regard to the produce of the earth (Shabbat 73b; Chapter 8, Halachah 5). Nevertheless, the Rabbis extended the scope of the prohibition and forbade collecting other foods as well.
53.See Chapter 8, Halachot 7 and 10. Rashi, Shabbat 143b, explains that the reason is that the primary purpose that grapes and olives are grown is for these liquids. With regard to other fruits, by contrast, it is not as common to use them for juice. From his Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 22:1), it appears that the Rambam also accepts this rationale.
(Rabbenu Nissim gives another reason: The juices of other fruits are not considered to be liquids, but rather food. See Hilchot Tum'at Ochalin 1:4. The Pri Megadim and others consider these to be two separate rationales.)
54.This prohibition includes all fruits that are frequently used for juice (Ramah, Orach Chayim 320:1). Significantly, however, the Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.:6) states that one may squeeze lemons. The Mishnah Berurah 320:22, however, questions that decision, because it is customary in many places to use lemons for juice. A similar question applies regarding many other fruit juices that are now far more popular than they were in previous generations.
55.The basis for this opinion is that even if a person desires to squeeze the fruit juice for use as a beverage, since the popular practice is not to do so, his individual intent is of no consequence. There are, however, opinions that maintain that a person is forbidden to squeeze juice from fruit if he desires to use it as a beverage.
Shulchan Aruch HaRav 320:1 states that, even though the halachic basis of the first view is sounder, in places where it is customary to follow the second view, the stringency should be maintained. (See also the Be'ur Halachah 320.)
56.Or to prepare them to be used as food in any other way. For example, to squeeze the oil from noodles (Mishnah Berurah 320:24,25).
57.As mentioned in Chapter 8, Halachah 10, even when one squeezes a food with the intent of removing its liquid, there is no prohibition involved if one squeezes the liquid directly into food. The rationale is that when a liquid is absorbed in food, its own identity is of no consequence. Hence, it is as if one is separating food from food. This concept is reflected in the rulings of the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 320:7).
58.The prohibition is, however, only Rabbinic in origin. This follows Rabbenu Yitzchak Alfasi's interpretation of Shabbat 145a. Rabbenu Chanan'el rules that a person who squeezes these foods for the sake of their liquids is liable for transgressing a Torah prohibition.
59.For this resembles crushing grapes or olives to produce wine or oil (Maggid Mishneh in the name of the Rashba). The Maggid Mishneh continues, explaining that other commentaries (see Rashi, Shabbat 51b, Beit Yosef, Orach Chayim 320) maintain that the prohibition stems from the fact that one is bringing into existence a new entity (nolad) on the Sabbath. It appears that the Rambam and the Rashba do not accept that rationale.
60.Rashi, Rabbenu Nissim, and others state that this refers to a cup or a bowl filled with liquid. They explain that this is permitted because the water from the snow will flow directly into this other liquid and will never exist as a separate distinct entity. The Rambam does not make such a distinction, and appears to allow squeezing the snow into an empty cup. It is possible that, according to the Rambam, this leniency also applies to the pickled and cooked foods mentioned in the first clause of this halachah. See Shulchan Aruch HaRav 320:6.
The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 320:9) states this law slightly differently: "One may place [snow] into a cup of wine or water so that it melts." Here, also, the Rambam is being more lenient, allowing the person to crush the snow by hand. The later authorities follow the ruling of the Shulchan Aruch.
61.Note the Maggid Mishneh's treatment of this subject in his gloss on Chapter 3, Halachah 2. As the Maggid Mishneh mentions, the leniency of this halachah is that one may perform an act to continue grinding these substances.
62.In one of his responsa, the Rambam explains that this refers to mixing meat, grain, and soup into a single mixture.
63.It is, however, forbidden to perform this activity while the pot is on the fire. Inevitably, one will stir the pot's contents, and this is considered part of the cooking process (Chapter 9, Halachah 4).
64.It is, however, forbidden to perform this activity while the pot is on the fire. Inevitably, one will stir the pot's contents, and this is considered part of the cooking process (Chapter 9, Halachah 4).
65.See Chapter 8, Halachah 10.
66.We have quoted the view of Tosafot (Yevamot 113a). Sucking milk fresh from an animal is considered a cure for pain felt in one's heart. The Rabbis question if this leniency also extends to a person groaning from hunger.
67.An animal is generally milked into a container.
68.I.e., without any human activity being performed on the Sabbath day. As opposed to the following halachah, this applies to fruit that was not crushed before the Sabbath.
69.Since the primary purpose for which these fruits are used is to produce beverages, the Rabbis instituted the following prohibition even when the person purchased these fruits to eat (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 320:1).
70.Which are often used to produce juice, as mentioned in Halachah 12. As mentioned in that halachah, the Rambam allows one to squeeze other fruits for juice. Surely there are no prohibitions against liquids that flow from them.
As mentioned in the notes on that halachah, the Ramah (loc. cit.) states that whenever it is customary to drink a fruit's juice, the situation is governed by the laws that apply to pomegranates and berries.
71.Since the person intended to eat the fruit, he does not appreciate the fact that liquid has flowed from them and is not likely to squeeze them to produce more (Mishnah Berurah 320:6).
If the person brought them home with no specific intention, any liquid that flows from them is prohibited (ibid.).
72.There is another opinion in the Mishnah (Shabbat 22:1), which forbids using liquid that flows from crushed honeycombs, lest one come to crush other ones on the Sabbath. Nevertheless, in practice, the more lenient view is accepted.
73.See Chapter 8, Halachah 11.
74.See Halachah 14.
75.By blowing the air over them, he causes the husks to fall. Alternatively, this prohibition can be interpreted to refer to fanning the grain with one's hand or sifting it in the air. This appears to be the conception of the Shulchan Aruch which employs the word מנפה, "sift," rather than מנפח, "blow."
Although blowing away the chaff is part of the forbidden labor of winnowing, it is permitted, because one's intent is to partake of the food directly afterwards. See a parallel in Chapter 8, Halachah 12, in regard to the forbidden labor of separating.
76.Implied is that using two hands is forbidden (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 319:7)
77.As mentioned in the notes on Chapter 8, Halachah 12, our translation of these terms is taken from the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah, Keilim 16:3. Most commentaries follow other interpretations. (See Ramah, loc. cit..)
78.See Chapter 8, Halachah 11, which states that three forbidden categories of labor - winnowing, selecting, and sifting - are very similar. Nevertheless, "every labor that was performed in the Sanctuary is counted as a separate category."
In Chapter 8, Halachah 14, the Rambam speaks of filtering wine and water, mentioning several of the points touched on in this halachah.
79.But not wine or water that is filled with dregs.
80.See, however, Chapter 22, Halachah 33, where the Rambam mentions how one must hold the Egyptian basket lest one violate a Rabbinic prohibition against erecting a tent.
81.Significantly, there are authorities who associate this prohibition with the prohibition against erecting a tent. (See also the Shulchan Aruch HaRav 315:14 and the Mishnah Berurah 319:49, which explain that the prohibition against hanging a filter was instituted to prevent involvement with "mundane activity.")
This refers to hanging the filter over a container in the manner in which one filters beverages. There is no prohibition, however, against hanging the filter in the open air (Mishnah Berurah 315:36).
82.See Chapter 8, Halachah 11.
83.Note the gloss of Rav Moshe Cohen of Lunil and the Magen Avraham 319:19, who question the connection between mixing nuts into honey and making cheese. The Tosefta, Shabbat 13:12, mentions mixing nuts and honey in connection with the forbidden labor of kneading. Kinat Eliyahu explains that the Rambam's intent might be that just as when curdling milk for cheese one makes a single block of food from liquid, so too, one accomplishes the same objective by making such a candy.
84.In his Kessef Mishneh, Rav Yosef Karo notes that the Rambam's wording here (and in Chapter 7, Halachah 5) appears to indicate that one is liable for grinding only when cutting produce with the intention of cooking it. If, however, one intends to eat the produce raw - e.g., in a salad - one is not liable.
In the Kessef Mishneh, Rav Yosef Karo concludes by stating that this interpretation is not absolutely imperative. In the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 321:12), however, he states that one who cuts produce is liable for grinding without any qualification. The Ramah, in his gloss, clarifies that one is liable only when one cuts the vegetables and then stores them for later use. If one partakes of them immediately, one is not liable.
The later authorities (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 321:10; Mishnah Berurah 321:45) mention opinions that question the leniency mentioned by the Ramah. They also emphasize that the Ramah granted permission to cut the vegetables only with a knife. Even he forbids using a grater or similar utensil.
85.See Chapter 8, Halachah 15.
86.In his Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 24:2), the Rambam explains that this refers to stalks of grain or beans that are harvested as animal fodder, before their produce matures.
87.The Mishnah Berurah 324:23 states that this refers to soft carobs that can be eaten without difficulty even when they are not cut. Carobs that have already hardened are forbidden to be cut. There is, however, room for questioning whether the Rambam would make such a distinction.
88.In the Kessef Mishneh and in the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 324:7), Rav Yosef Karo differs with the Rambam and states that the reason for these prohibitions is that it is forbidden to undertake any unnecessary effort to prepare food for animals. Since these foods could be eaten without being shredded, it is forbidden to shred them on the Sabbath.
89.This refers even to an animal that died on the Sabbath itself. It is not considered muktzeh and may be served to dogs. Note, however, the Mishnah Berurah 324:17, which questions whether this leniency applies if the animal was healthy before the commencement of the Sabbath. In this context, note Hilchot Sh'vitat Yom Tov 1:17, 2:16.
90.In this instance, we have translated the word פירות as "fruit," rather than "produce" in order to avoid a difficulty mentioned by the commentaries. The Maggid Mishneh states that he has seen texts of the Mishneh Torah that read "for grinding applies only regarding produce." Although he favors that version over the one found in the standard texts, he finds neither to be fully satisfying.
The Kessef Mishneh explains the Maggid Mishneh's equivocation as follows. The standard text is problematic, since straw and carobs are also produce, and if there were no prohibition against grinding produce, there would be no reason to forbid shredding them. The amended version, however, is also somewhat difficult, since gourds are also produce.
Rav Yosef Karo himself favors the standard text and states that the phrase "there is no concept of grinding regarding..." is the rationale for the prohibition against shredding carobs.
To explain: The word פירות in this instance has a more restricted meaning, meaning "fruit" rather than "produce." The concept of grinding applies only with regard to grains and vegetables, but not with regard to fruit. Therefore, the prohibition against shredding carobs is only Rabbinic in origin. Although the clause pertaining to gourds and animal carcasses interposes between the clause regarding carobs and the rationale explaining it, that is not an insurmountable difficulty.
91.With the palms of one's hands (Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah, Shabbat 24:2).
92.Note the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (loc. cit.), which interprets all the terms in the relevant clause as referring to sheaves of straw, in contrast to Rashi and others, who interpret one term as referring to cedar bows. (See also the Maggid Mishneh and the Kessef Mishneh, who struggle to explain how the Rambam's ruling is derived from Shabbat 155a, the source for this halachah.)
93.This refers to the principle stated in Shabbat (ibid.) and quoted in the Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.:4), which states that we are able to lay out food for an animal to eat. We may not, however, undertake any extra difficulty to make the food more attractive and more accessible for the animal.
94.From the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (Sh'vi'it 8:1), it appears that all three of these terms refer to species of hyssop. Hyssop is often used as animal fodder, but is occasionally employed as food for humans, and at times is used as kindling wood.
95.If, however, they are stored for use as kindling wood, it is forbidden to take them, as stated in Chapter 26, Halachah 18.
96.Note the slight difference in the manner in which this law is quoted in the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 321:1).
97.Compare to Hilchot Sh'vitat Yom Tov 3:12, which states that one may crush peppers with a mortar and pestle.
98.Thus, one must depart from one's ordinary process in two ways, using the handle of a knife instead of a mortar, and using a bowl instead of a pestle.
99.This refers to a person who feels discomfort, but whose life is not in danger, nor would he be classified as being חולה, "sick." Therefore, the various leniencies mentioned in Chapter 2 do not apply to him.
100.The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 328:37) states that these restrictions apply only to a person who feels discomfort. A person who is totally healthy may partake of foods that are usually eaten only for medicinal purposes. Shulchan Aruch HaRav 328:43 and the Mishnah Berurah 328:120, however, qualify this leniency and state that if the person's intent is to enhance his health, it is forbidden even when he has no signs of illness.
101.A plant with red roots, used for dyeing or for medical purposes.
102.Even one suffering from discomfort.
103.As reflected by a comparison to the previous halachah, there are several species of hyssop, some eaten by healthy people and some used primarily for medicinal purposes.
104.When stating this law, the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 328:37) mentions that even if it is obvious that the person is partaking of the food for medicinal purposes, since this food is also frequently eaten for other reasons, there is no prohibition.
105.A plant known as asafetida, possessing a resin that is bitter tasting, and which is used as a remedy for chest pains (Meiri).
In his Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 22:3), the Rambam states that a beverage produced from this plant is often drunk by people in cold lands because of the warm sensation it produces.
106.As indicated by Chapter 22, Halachah 7, once a person has begun drinking chiltit, he should continue. Otherwise, he risks the possibility of falling sick. Therefore, even though most healthy people in a community do not partake of this beverage, a person who has become accustomed to it may continue.
107.This is the text recommended by the Maggid Mishneh according to the explanation given in the previous note. There are, however, versions of the Mishneh Torah that read, "A person who has drunk chiltit... may drink it in places where it is not customary for healthy people to drink chiltit." According to this version, chiltit is being given as an example of the concept stated in the first clause of this halachah.
108.In his Commentary on the Mishnah (Pesachim 3:1), the Rambam defines this as a beverage made from water, into which salt, barley flour, and wild saffron are mixed. Shabbat 101a explains that this beer helps people with stomach discomforts.
109.Note the Ramah (Orach Chayim 327:1), who writes that at present it is not common for healthy people to apply oil to themselves. Therefore, it is forbidden to apply oil to oneself with any oil on the Sabbath for therapeutic purposes.
110.These liquids are not usually applied to the body. Therefore, when one applies them, it is obvious that one's intent is for medicinal purposes. Note the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 327:1), which states "one may not apply a mixture of oil and vinegar" and does not mention the application of vinegar alone.
111.The Mishnah (Shabbat 14:4) records an opinion that states that only "the sons of kings" may apply rose oil. Rabbi Shimon, however, grants this license universally, for "all Jews are the sons of kings." Shabbat 111b, however, restricts this leniency to places where this oil is freely available.
112.Shabbat 66b mentions that soaking one's hands and feet in a mixture of oil and salt is a remedy for intoxication.
113.To stop the flow of blood. This refers to a wound that was not caused by an iron utensil, nor one that is located in a place where bleeding might be dangerous. In these instances, one may dress the wound in a normal manner even if it is necessary to violate the Sabbath laws (Shulchan Aruch Harav 328:34; Mishnah Berurah 328:91).
114.Nor in beverages with high alcoholic content (Mishnah Berurah 328:92).
115.The Mishnah (Shabbat 14:4) gives another alternative: Dipping one's food in vinegar.
116.Shulchan Aruch HaRav 328:39 mentions opinions that permit this only when the oil is mixed with vegetable juice, since otherwise it is not the usual practice to drink oil.
117.This refers to raw gum taken from trees, and not to commercially prepared chewing gum.
118.Some authorities forbid brushing one's teeth if one's gums are likely to bleed. Similarly, using toothpaste is forbidden.
119.The same principles apply to the use of mouthwash.
120.Based on Rashi, Shabbat 108b, the Shulchan Aruch 328:20 forbids opening and closing one's eye to let the wine in, even when the wine was applied to one's eyelids.
121.Note the apparent contradiction to Chapter 3, Halachah 2, which states that one may leave eye salve on one's eye on Friday, implying that the salve must be applied before the commencement of the Sabbath, and not afterwards.
From a comparison to the quotation of the laws in the Shulchan Aruch 252:5 and 328:21, the following resolution may be offered. When one applies an eye salve itself to one eye, it must be applied before the Sabbath. If, however, the salve is mixed with water and is no longer a distinct entity, one may rinse one's eyes with it on the Sabbath.
122.From the manner in which the Ramah (Orach Chayim 328:24) and others state this law, it would appear that the intent is not that the reed be used as a bandage, but that it has other therapeutic qualities as well.
123.Eruvin 10:14 mentions that this was permitted in the Temple, because it was not necessary to observe the prohibitions classified as sh'vut there. (See Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 10:9.) From this statement, the Rambam derived that this is forbidden outside the Temple's premises.
124.Although this appears to be the Rambam's intent, the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 328:22) quotes this prohibition as referring to oil and hot water mixed together.
125.Here there is an added difficulty. One may squeeze the liquids from the wadding when applying them to the wound and it is forbidden to squeeze liquids from a cloth.
126.Note the differences between the manner in which this law is stated by the Rambam and by the Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.:23).
127.As long as the bandage has not fallen on the ground, it is considered as if it merely slipped off the wound, and therefore it may be returned to its place.
It must be emphasized that the bandages referred to here are those to which salves or other liquids have been applied. Applying such a bandage resembles smearing substances. There is no restriction against placing a bandaid or other dry bandage on a wound on the Sabbath. See Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 328:23-24).
128.Eruvin 102b and the commentaries on the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 328:25) interpret this prohibition as a safeguard, lest one come to spread a salve. Since the bandage was applied on Friday, there is no reason for a safeguard lest one grind herbs.
129.Outside the Temple, there is a prohibition against placing a bandage on a wound for the first time on the Sabbath, lest one grind herbs, and lest one spread the salves. Nevertheless, since both these prohibitions are considered in the category of sh'vut, they are waived in the Temple.
This is the explanation according to the standard printed text of the Mishneh Torah, and this text is accepted by Rav Kapach and Rav Frankel in their texts of the Mishneh Torah. The Maggid Mishneh, however, questions this version of the text based on the Eruvin 10:13, which states, "We may return a bandage [to a wound] in the Temple, but not elsewhere." Indeed, his question is reinforced by the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah, which states that outside of the Temple, one may not return a bandage to its place after it has fallen to the ground. In the Temple, however, this is permitted. Nevertheless, it is forbidden to place a bandage on a wound for the first time on the Sabbath even in the Temple.
Nevertheless, several of the later commentaries (Seder HaMishneh; Or Sameach) attempt to justify the standard text of the Mishneh Torah, basing their explanations on the Rambam's statements in Hilchot Korban Pesach 1:16, where the Rambam states that when Pesach was celebrated on the Sabbath, the priests would wash the floor of the Temple Courtyard on the Sabbath to clean away the blood and refuse from the Paschal sacrifices.
In the source for that halachah, Pesachim 65a, there is a difference of opinion on this matter among the Sages. Rabbi Natan maintains that the only time a prohibition that is in the category of sh'vut is suspended in the Temple is when transgressing it is necessary for the Temple service. Therefore, he rules that it is forbidden to wash the Temple floor on such an occasion, for doing so is an expression of respect for the Temple, but is not a necessity for its service to continue.
From the fact that the Rambam rejects Rabbi Natan's view, it is clear that he maintains that - as he says simply in this halachah - "The prohibitions classified as sh'vut do not apply in the Temple" - i.e., they do not apply at all. The Mishnah in Eruvin follows Rabbi Natan's opinion. Therefore, in his Commentary on the Mishnah, the Rambam explains Rabbi Natan's position. This explanation does not reflect the Rambam's own view; that is expressed in our halachah.
130.For the priests were careful and would not come to violate a Torah prohibition (the gloss of Rabbenu Yehonatan, Eruvin 102b).
131.Significantly, when the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 328:26 cites this law, it changes the wording slightly and states, "for one is spreading [a salve]." Spreading a salve is a derivative of the forbidden labor of smoothing, as stated in Chapter 11, Halachah 6.
132.Our translation is based on the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 22:6).
133.The Tosefta (Shabbat 17:22) states, "One may not run for exercise on the Sabbath, but one may walk leisurely the entire day." Note also the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 301:2), which grants license for youths to perform calisthenics on the Sabbath if they enjoy doing so. Note, however, the Mishnah Berurah, which emphasizes that the license is granted only when one enjoys the physical activity, and not when one does so for health purposes.
134.The Maggid Mishneh notes that these two phrases refer to alternate explanations offered by Rabbenu Yitzchak Alfasi of the expression, "We do not go down to Kordima (alt. Poltima)," in the Mishnah (Shabbat 22:6). Although in his Commentary to the Mishnah, the Rambam explains that Mishnah differently, both the interpretations given by Rabbenu Yitzchak Alfasi represent valid halachic points.
135.One may, however, bathe in the pleasant waters of the Mediterranean, even though they are salty (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 328:44).
136.For it appears that one has entered these bodies of water to cool off (Shulchan Aruch, loc. cit.).
137.Rashi, Shabbat 147b, explains that this prohibition was instituted to prevent "ordinary activity." On this basis, the Magen Avraham 327:1 relates that if one has a utensil designated for use on the Sabbath, this would be permitted. It is questionable, however, whether the Rambam accepts that rationale and that leniency.
138.The bracketed additions are based on Rashi's commentary, Shabbat 53b. Note the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 328:28) which states that this leniency applies only in places where it is common for people to annoint themselves with oil.
139.I.e., even when the wound has begun to heal and the scabs have dried (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 328:22).
140.The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 332:2) is slightly more specific regarding this law, explaining that one may not treat an animal's scabs when they have already dried out and have begun to heal. When, however, the scabs are fresh and the wound still smarts, the scabs may be treated.
141.Literally, "was taken by blood."
142.Although a person is forbidden to perform any activity that is solely therapeutic in nature for the sake of a human being who is in discomfort, this restriction is not imposed regarding an animal's discomfort. The rationale is that a person generally is not disturbed about his animal's discomfort to the extent that he might be motivated to grind herbs for medication on the Sabbath (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 332:3; Mishnah Berurah 332:5).
It must, however, be emphasized that when an animal is very seriously afflicted, greater leniency is allowed. For example, one may have a gentile perform forbidden labors to save the animal. This is allowed because our Sages feared that when an animal's life was in danger, its owner would not hesitate to perform the forbidden labors himself to save the animal if he were not given any other alternative (ibid.).
143.Note the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 328:39), which states that because this is a wasteful activity, it is forbidden during the week as well, unless one is suffering discomfort.
144.This is one of the instances where the commentaries have difficulty discovering the Rambam's source. There is no explicit statement to this effect in the Talmud, and the Rabbis have offered several possible references from which it is possible that this concept could have been derived.
145.Similarly, the Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.:40) permits placing hot cups to cure a stomach ailment.
146.The latter practice involves tying a newborn baby's limbs with cloth so that they grow straight. This practice is still followed in several Yemenite communities.
147.See Chapter 2, Halachah 10.
148.To relate the Rambam's decision to terms of our contemporary experience: Medication may not be given on the Sabbath. Physiotherapy, by contrast, is permitted.
149.See Chapter 8, Halachot 11 and 16.
150.I.e., exposing the straw to the wind so that the chaff will be blown away.
151.Rashi explains that this act is permitted, because although it is possible that a forbidden labor, sifting, might be performed, it is done unintentionally. Hence, there is no prohibition involved. Kinat Eliyahu adds that here we are speaking about an activity that resembles sifting and which is forbidden by the Rabbis for that reason, but not about the forbidden labor of sifting itself. Therefore, forbidding carrying the straw in a sieve because some might unintentionally be sifted would be "a safeguard for a Rabbinic decree." Hence, there is no prohibition.
152.See Chapter 8, Halachah 16.
153.According to the Rambam, mixing roasted flour with water is forbidden by the Rabbis, but does not violate the Torah's prohibition against making a mixture of solid particles and water. The Torah's prohibition involves adding water to a collection of granular substances - e.g., flour or cement - and mixing them until they cling together as a single mass.
Other authorities [Tosafot (Shabbat 18a), the Ra'avad (see Chapter 18, Halachah 15), the Ramban, and the Rashba] differ and maintain that according to the Torah, one is liable for mixing any substance with water, even if its particles do not stick together. (See Shulchan Aruch HaRav 321:16 and Be'ur Halachah 321.)
154.Mixing even small amounts of unroasted flour, by contrast, is forbidden (Mishnah Berurah 321:53).
155.Rashi (Shabbat 155b) does not differentiate between shatit and roasted flour.
156.I.e., free-flowing as opposed to viscous.
157.During the week, by contrast, the vinegar is usually put in first (Shabbat 156a).
158.When bran is mixed into water, the particles remain separate and do not stick together, as mentioned in the notes on the previous halachah.
159.I.e., substances whose particles do adhere to each other when mixed with water.
160.But not in circular movement, lest it appear that one is kneading (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 324:3).
This ruling relates to another difference of opinion among the Sages which was not resolved and was, therefore, perpetuated by the later Rabbis. Rabbi Yosse bar Yehudah (Shabbat 155b) mentions that kneading involves actually mixing the dough with one's hands. Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi differs and maintains that one is liable for kneading as soon as one pours water into flour.
The Rambam follows the opinion of Rabbi Yosse bar Yehudah. Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi's opinion is, however, accepted by some authorities (Sefer HaTerumot), is referred to in the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 321:16), and is preferred by the Ramah. According to this view, we may not stir a mixture of bran and water on the Sabbath unless the water was added before the commencement of the Sabbath (Shulchan Aruch, loc. cit.).
161.I.e., one is allowed to mix as large a quantity as one needs for that Sabbath. One may not, however, mix bran that one does not need on that Sabbath (Mishnah Berurah 324:9).
162.Note the Levush (Orach Chayim 324), which offers a different reason for this prohibition: It represents an expenditure of effort that is not necessary to provide the animal with food for the Sabbath.
163.Before a camel-driver set out on a journey with his beast, he would force-feed it enough food to last several days, to minimize the amount of fodder he would have to carry (Meiri).
164.This refers to calves that are force-fed to fatten them for slaughter.
165.See Chapter 15, Halachah 1.
166.The Mishnah Berurah 324:28 emphasizes that even if one is allowed to force feed-animals, one must do so without moving the animal, for an animal is muktzeh.
167.This issue has import within the context of the socio-economic history of the Jewish people. In Eastern Europe, one of the main sources of income for the Jewish people was raising fattened geese. These geese were force-fed during the week to the extent that they were unable to consume enough food to satiate themselves on the Sabbath unless they were force-fed. Some Rabbis allowed force-feeding them on the Sabbath, while others forbade it. (See Mishnah Berurah 324:27.) There are authorities who forbade the practice entirely, because of cruelty to animals, and because of the problems in kashrut that might arise.
168.Note the Be'ur Halachah 324, which draws attention to the following question: Is one Jew allowed to feed animals that another Jew is responsible to feed? Seemingly, since their owner is allowed to feed them, that same license is granted to other Jews. The Be'ur Halachah favors granting this leniency.
169.Even if the pigs belong to a Jew, he is forbidden to feed them on the Sabbath. This decree was imposed because the Rabbis prohibited raising pigs (Shulchan Aruch, Choshen Mishpat 409). Therefore, if one possesses pigs in a manner that does not violate this prohibition - e.g., a gentile pays one a debt with a pig - one may feed them on the Sabbath (Mishnah Berurah 324:30).
170.In this instance, even though a person owns these animals, since they usually are left to find their own food, providing them with food is considered to be an unnecessary expenditure of effort (Shulchan Aruch Harav 324:7; Mishnah Berurah 324:29).
171.Rav David Arameah explains that this is a decree imposed lest one pick up the food that has been set aside and feed it to the animal.
Shabbat - Chapter Twenty Two
1
Although removing a loaf [of bread from the side of an oven] does not involve a [forbidden] labor, our Sages forbade doing so, lest one be prompted to bake.1
If one stuck a loaf to [the side of] an oven before the commencement of the Sabbath, and afterwards the Sabbath began, one may remove enough for three meals. Similarly, one may tell others, "Come and take for yourselves."2 Although removing a loaf does not involve a [forbidden] labor, in this situation, when one removes a loaf, one should not do so with a baker's peel, but rather with a knife, in order to deviate from one's ordinary procedure.
א
רדיית הפת אע"פ שאינה מלאכה אסרו אותה חכמים שמא יבוא לאפות. המדביק פת בתנור מבעוד יום וקדש עליו היום מציל ממנה מזון שלש סעודות ואומר לאחרים בואו והצילו לכם. ואע"פ שהרדייה אינה מלאכה כשהוא מציל לא ירדה במרדה אלא בסכין כדי לשנות:
2
Why did the Sages forbid entering a bathhouse on the Sabbath?3 Because the attendants would heat up water on the Sabbath, and say that it has been heated before the commencement of the Sabbath. For this reason, our Sages decreed that one should not enter a bathhouse4 on the Sabbath, even to use [merely] as a steam bath.5
Similarly, they decreed that a person should not rinse his entire body with hot water6 - even if the water was heated on Friday. One may, however, wash one's face, hands, and feet7 [with hot water that was heated before the commencement of the Sabbath]. When do the above [restrictions] apply? To water that is heated by fire. One may, however, rinse one's entire body in the hot springs of Tiberias and the like.8
It is forbidden to bathe in hot springs located in caves, for the cave is filled with hot air, and one will sweat [as in a steam bath].9 Thus, it resembles a bathhouse.
ב
מפני מה אסרו חכמים ליכנס במרחץ בשבת. מפני הבלנין שהיו מחמין חמין בשבת ואומרין מערב שבת הוחמו. לפיכך גזרו שלא יכנס אדם למרחץ בשבת אפילו להזיע. וגזרו שלא ישתטף כל גופו בחמין ואפילו בחמין שהוחמו מערב שבת. אבל פניו ידיו ורגליו מותר. במה דברים אמורים בחמי האור גזירה משום מרחץ. אבל בחמי טבריא וכיוצא בהן מותר להשתטף בהן כל גופו. ואסור לרחוץ במים חמין שבמערות מפני שהמערה יש בה הבל ויבוא לידי זיעה ונמצאת כמרחץ:
3
A person may warm himself before a fire and then go out and rinse his entire body in cold water. He may not, however, rinse his entire body in cold water10 and then warm himself by a fire. By doing so, the water on his body will become lukewarm, and it would be as if he washed his entire body in warm water.11
When a person causes a duct of cold water to pass through hot water,12 even water coming from the hot springs of Tiberias, the water is considered as if it was heated [by fire] on the Sabbath13 and one is forbidden to wash in it or drink it.
ג
מתחמם אדם כנגד המדורה ויוצא ומשתטף כל גופו בצונן. אבל אינו משתטף כל גופו בצונן ומתחמם כנגד המדורה מפני שמפשיר מים שעליו ונמצא כרוחץ כל גופו בחמין. המביא סילון של צונן בתוך מים חמין אפילו בתוך חמי טבריא הרי אלו כחמין שהוחמו בשבת ואסורין ברחיצה ובשתיה:
4
A person may bring a cask of water and place it in front of a fire, not in order that it will be warmed, but to dispel its chill. Similarly, one may place a flask of oil in front of a fire so that it will become lukewarm, but not so that it will be heated.14
A person may dip his hand in water or oil and warm it in front of a fire,15 provided the water [or oil] on his hand will not become so hot that it could burn an infant's belly.16 One may warm a cloth and place it on one's stomach on the Sabbath.
ד
מביא אדם קיתון של מים ומניחו כנגד המדורה לא בשביל שיחמו אלא כדי שתפוג צינתן. וכן מניח פך של שמן כנגד המדורה כדי שיפשר לא שיחם. וסך אדם ידו במים או בשמן ומחמם כנגד המדורה. והוא שלא יחמו המים שעל ידו עד שתהא כריסו של תינוק נכוית בהן. ומחמם בגד ומניחו על גבי מעים בשבת:
5
We may not place cold water in a tub in a bathhouse17 that is filled with hot water, for [the cold water] will become very hot.18 Similarly, one may not place a flask of oil in such a tub, for it is considered as if one is cooking it.19 One may, however, place hot water in a tub of cold water.20
ה
אמבטי של מרחץ שהיא מלאה מים חמים אין נותנין לה מים צונן שהרי מחממן הרבה. וכן לא יתן לתוכה פך של שמן מפני שהוא כמבשלו. אבל נותן הוא מים חמין לתוך אמבטי של צונן:
6
After hot water was removed from a cooking urn, it is permitted to pour in cold water so that it will become lukewarm.21 It is permitted to pour hot water22 into cold water or cold water into hot water,23 provided [the hot water] is not in a vessel that was cooked on a fire,24 since this will raise the temperature [of the cold water] greatly.
Similarly, when a pot is boiling, one should not place spices in it, even after one has removed it from the fire.25 One may, however, salt it, since salt cooks only on a very large flame.26 If one poured the food from a pot to a bowl, one may place spices on it, even if it is boiling, since a vessel into which food has been poured does not [possess sufficient heat to] cook.27
ו
מיחם שפנה ממנו מים חמין מותר ליתן לתוכו מים צונן כדי להפשירן. ומותר לצוק מים חמין לתוך מים צונן או צונן לתוך החמין והוא שלא יהיו בכלי ראשון מפני שהוא מחממן הרבה. וכן קדרה רותחת אף על פי שהורידה מעל האש לא יתן לתוכה תבלין אבל נותן לתוכה מלח שהמלח אינו מתבשל אלא על גבי אש גדולה. ואם יצק התבשיל מקדרה לקערה אע"פ שהוא רותח בקערה מותר לו ליתן לתוך הקערה תבלין שכלי שני אינו מבשל:
7
[On the Sabbath,] we may not place chiltit28 in hot water nor in cold water to soak.29 One may, however, soak it in vinegar. If one drank chiltit on Thursday and on Friday, one may soak it in cold water on the Sabbath, place it in the sun to warm, and drink it, lest ceasing to drink it cause one to become sick.30
ז
אין שורין את החלתית בין בפושרין בין בצונן אבל שורה אותו בתוך החומץ. ואם שתהו ביום חמישי וששי הרי זה שורה בשבת בצונן ומניחו בחמה עד שיחם ושותה. כדי שלא יחלה אם פסק מלשתות:
8
When food has been cooked before the Sabbath or soaked in hot water before the Sabbath, one is permitted to soak it in hot water on the Sabbath even though it is presently cold.31
Although food is cold, and it had never been placed in hot water previously, it may be rinsed in hot water on the Sabbath,32 if this rinsing does not complete its preparation.33 One may not, however, soak it for the first time on the Sabbath.34
ח
דבר שנתבשל קודם השבת או נשרה בחמין מלפני השבת אע"פ שהוא עכשיו צונן מותר לשרותו בחמין בשבת. ודבר שהוא צונן מעיקרו ולא בא בחמין מעולם מדיחין אותו בחמין בשבת אם לא היתה הדחתו גמר מלאכתו אבל אין שורין אותו בחמין:
9
Although it is forbidden to heat [food or water] using substances that derive their heat from the sun,35 it is permitted to heat [them] in the heat of the sun itself, for one will not err between the sun and fire.36 Therefore, it is permitted to place water in the sun to warm.37
Similarly, we may place [a bottle of] pleasant water into [a pool of] stagnant water so that it cool.38 Similarly, we may place a [dish of] cooked food into a cistern to preserve it.39
ט
מותר להחם בחמה אע"פ שאסור להחם בתולדות חמה שאינו בא לטעות מחמה לאור. לפיכך מותר ליתן מים צונן בשמש כדי שיחמו. וכן נותנין מים יפים לתוך מים רעים בשביל שיצננו. ונותנין תבשיל לתוך הבור בשביל שיהא שמור:
10
A person may mix water, salt and oil, and dip his bread in the mixture or pour it onto cooked food. This is permitted provided one makes only a small amount.40 Making a large amount is forbidden,41 for it appears that one is performing one of the labors associated with cooking. Similarly, one may not make strong salt water42 - i.e., two thirds salt and one third water - for it would appear as if one is making fish-brine.43
One may salt an egg, but not radishes and the like,44 because it would appear that one is pickling food on the Sabbath. Pickling is forbidden, because it is as though one is cooking.45 One may, however, dip radishes and the like into salt and eat them [directly afterwards].46
י
מערב אדם מים ומלח ושמן וטובל בו פתו או נותנו לתוך התבשיל. והוא שיעשה מעט אבל הרבה אסור מפני שנראה כעושה מלאכה ממלאכת התבשיל. וכן לא יעשה מי מלח עזין והן שני שלישי מלח ושליש מים מפני שנראה כעושה מורייס. ומותר למלוח ביצה אבל צנון וכיוצא בו אסור מפני שנראה ככובש כבשים בשבת והכובש אסור מפני שהוא כמבשל. ומותר לטבל צנון וכיוצא בו במלח ואוכל:
11
One may mix wine, honey, and peppers together47 on the Sabbath to partake of them. Wine, water, and balsam oil are forbidden to be mixed, because this mixture is not fit to be eaten by healthy people.48
יא
מותר לערב יין ודבש ופלפלין בשבת לאכלן אבל יין ומים ושמן אפרסמון אסור שאין זה ראוי לאכילת בריאים וכן כל כיוצא בזה:
12
When mustard has been mixed on Friday, one may blend49 it [on the Sabbath] by hand or with a utensil50 and add honey to it. One may not stir it forcefully,51 however; [all that is permitted is to] mix it.
Oil, vinegar, and spices may be added [on the Sabbath] to cress52that was stirred on Friday. One may not stir the mixture] forcefully, however; [all that is permitted is to] mix in [these ingredients]. Garlic that was crushed on Friday may be placed into groats on the Sabbath. One may not grind [the mixture]; [all that is permitted is to] mix in [the garlic].
יב
חרדל שלשו מערב שבת למחר ממחו בין ביד בין בכלי ונותן לתוכו דבש ולא יטרוף אלא מערב. שחלים שטרפן מערב שבת למחר נותן לתוכו שמן וחומץ ותבלין ולא יטרוף אלא מערב. שום שריסקו מערב שבת למחר נותנו לתוך הגריסין ולא ישחוק אלא מערב:
13
A person who removes hair from a person's body is liable for [performing a derivative of the forbidden labor of] shearing.53 Therefore, it is forbidden to wash one's hands with a substance that will without doubt remove hair - e.g., ohaloh54 and the like.55
One may cleanse one's hands with frankincense powder, pepper powder, jasmine powder, and the like, without concern that one might remove the hair on one's hands, for this is not one's intent.56
[The following rules apply when] one mixes a substance that will undoubtedly remove hair together with a substance that will not necessarily remove hair: If the majority [of the mixture] is composed of a substance that will undoubtedly remove hair, it is forbidden to clean one's hands with it.57 If not, it is permitted.
יג
הנוטל שער מגוף האדם חייב משום גוזז. לפיכך אסור לרחוץ את הידים בדבר שמשיר את השער ודאי כגון אהלה וכיוצא בו. ומותר לחוף את הידים בעפר לבונה ועפר פלפלין ועפר יסמין וכיוצא בהן ואינו חושש שמא ישיר שער שעל ידו שהרי אינו מתכוין. עירב דבר שמשיר את השער ודאי עם דבר שאינו משיר ודאי אם היה הרוב מדבר המשיר אסור לחוף בו ואם לאו מותר:
14
One may not look at oneself in a mirror of [polished] metal on the Sabbath. [This is] a decree [enacted] lest one use it to remove loose hanging strands of hair.58 This applies even if the mirror is affixed to the wall.59 One may, by contrast, look at oneself in a mirror that is not made of metal, even if it is not affixed [to a wall].60
יד
אסור לראות במראה של מתכת בשבת גזירה שמא ישיר בה נימין המדולדלין מן השער ואפילו קבוע בכותל. אבל מראה שאינה של מתכת מותר לראות בה אפילו אינה קבועה:
15
A person who launders is liable for [performing a derivative of the forbidden labor of] whitening, and one who wrings out a garment is liable because he is [performing one of the activities involved in] laundering.61 Therefore, it is forbidden to press a piece of cloth, unprocessed fabric, or the like into the opening of a flask to plug it, lest one squeeze62 liquids from it.63
One may not clean with a sponge unless it has a handle, lest one squeeze [water from it].64 One may not cover a jug of water65 or the like with a cloth that is not set aside for this purpose. [This is] a decree [enacted] lest one squeeze [water from it].66
טו
המכבס חייב משום מלבן. והסוחט כסות חייב מפני שהוא מכבס. לפיכך אסור לדחוק מטלית או מוך וכיוצא בהן בפי האשישה וכיוצא בה כדי לסתמה שמא יבא לידי סחיטה. ואין מקנחין בספוג אא"כ יש לו בית אחיזה שלא יסחוט. ואין מכסין חבית של מים וכיוצא בה בבגד שאינו מוכן לה גזירה שמא יסחוט:
16
When a cask [of liquids] breaks67 on the Sabbath, one may save what one needs for oneself and one's guests on the Sabbath,68 provided one does not sponge up wine with a sponge69 or scoop up oil with his hands.70 [These restrictions were instituted, because] were one allowed to follow one's ordinary weekday practice, there is the possibility that one would squeeze [the liquids from it].
How must he save [the liquid]? He should bring a container and place it under [the liquid].71 He may not bring one container to catch [the liquid] in the air, and another into which to collect [the liquid]. This [restriction] is a decree, lest one carry a container through the public domain.
[An exception is made] if guests unexpectedly arrive. [In this instance,] he may bring one container to catch [the liquid] in the air, another into which to collect [the liquid], and then combine it with the first. He should not collect [the liquid] and then invite guests. Instead, he should invite guests and then collect [the liquid]. If one acts with guile in this matter,72 it is permitted.73
טז
נשברה לו חבית בשבת מציל ממנה מה שהוא צריך לשבת לו ולאורחיו ובלבד שלא יספוג ביין או יטפח בשמן שאם יעשה כדרך שהוא עושה בחול שמא יבוא לידי סחיטה. וכיצד מציל ממנה מביא כלי ומניח תחתיה. ולא יביא כלי אחר ויקלוט כלי אחר ויצרף גזירה שמא יביא כלי דרך רשות הרבים. נזדמנו לו אורחים מביא כלי אחר וקולט כלי אחר ומצרפו לראשון. ולא יקלוט ואחר כך יזמין אלא יזמין ואח"כ יקלוט. ואם הערים בדבר זה מותר:
17
[A person who has] mud on his garments may rub the inner [surface of the garment so that the mud falls],74 but not the outer surface. [This is] a decree, [enacted] lest one launder it. One may, however, scrape it75 with one's nails,76 without concern that one might whiten it.77
It is forbidden to rub clean a scarf, since this launders it.78 One may, however, rub a cloak, because one's intent is merely to soften it.79
יז
טיט שעל גבי בגדו מכסכסו מבפנים ואינו מכסכסו מבחוץ גזירה שמא יכבס. ומותר לגרדו בצפורן ואינו חושש שמא ילבנו. המכסכס את הסודר אסור מפני שהוא מלבנו אבל החלוק מותר מפני שאין כוונתו אלא לרככו:
18
It is permitted to use water to rub clean a shoe or a sandal that has become soiled with mud or excrement. It is, however, forbidden to wash them.80 We may not scrape new sandals or shoes,81 but we may apply oil to them.82 [Similarly,] we may clean old [sandals and shoes].
A pillow or a blanket [soiled] with mud or excrement may be cleaned with a rag.83 If it is made of leather, one may pour water over it until the stain is removed.84
יח
מנעל או סנדל שנתלכלך בטיט ובצואה מותר לשכשכו במים אבל לכבסו אסור. ואין מגרדין לא מנעלים ולא סנדלים חדשים אבל סכין (אותם) ומקנחין את הישנים. כר או כסת שהיה עליהן צואה או טנוף מקנחו בסמרטוט. ואם היתה על של עור נותנין עליה מים עד שתכלה:
19
A person whose hands have become soiled with mud may clean them with a horse's tail, a cow's tail, or a firm cloth used to hold thorns.85 [One may] not, [however, use a] cloth that is used to clean one's hands. [These restrictions were instituted] so that one will not follow one's weekday practice and come to launder the cloth.86
יט
מי שנתלכלכה ידו בטיט מקנחה בזנב הסוס ובזנב הפרה ובמפה הקשה העשויה לאחוז בה הקוצים. אבל לא במפה שמקנחין בה את הידים שלא יעשה כדרך שהוא עושה בחול ויבוא לכבס את המפה:
20
A person who washes himself in water may dry himself with a towel and carry it by hand; we do not suspect that he might wring [water from it].87
Similarly, a person whose clothes become soaked with water88 may continue walking in them; we do not suspect that he might wring [water from them].89 [When he removes them,] he may not, however, hang them out to dry even within his home, lest an observer suppose that he laundered his garment on the Sabbath and hung it out to dry.90 Whenever the Sages instituted a prohibition because of the impression it might create,91 the act is forbidden even in one's private chambers.92
כ
מי שרחץ במים מסתפג באלונטיתו ומביאה בידו ואין חוששין שמא יסחוט. וכן מי שנשרו כליו במים מהלך בהן ואין חוששין שמא יסחוט. ואסור לו לשטחן ואפילו בתוך ביתו גזירה שמא יאמר הרואה הרי זה כבס כסותו בשבת ושטחה ליבשה. וכל מקום שאסרו חכמים מפני מראית העין אפילו בחדרי חדרים אסור:
21
When two mikvaot are located one on top of the other, one may remove the plug between them and connect them. Afterwards, one may return the plug to its place. There is no concern that one might squeeze out water [in the process of doing so], since one's intent is that the water should flow out.93
One may plug a drain with clothes or with any article that can be carried so that water will not inundate food and utensils.94 We may not, however, plug a drain so that water will descend into a cistern.95 The plug is resting in water and the possibility exists that one may squeeze [water from the plug] when one presses it into place.96
כא
שתי מטהרות זו על גב זו נוטל את הפקק מבנתים ומשיקן ומחזיר את הפקק למקומו מפני שאינו בא לידי סחיטה שהרי דעתו שיצאו המים.ופוקקין את הביב בסודרין ובכל דבר המיטלטל כדי שלא יצופו המים על האוכלים ועל הכלים. אבל אין פוקקין את הביב כדי שירדו המים לבור שמא יסחוט בעת שדוחק שהרי הפקק שרוי במים:
22
It is forbidden to fix the sleeves of garments, adjusting them to form layers of cuffs97 as is one's ordinary practice during the week after washing clothes.98
Similarly, we may not fold clothes on the Sabbath in the same way as we fold clothes during the week after laundering them. If one does not possess a change of clothes, one may fold a garment,99 stretch it out, and wear it so that one will [be dressed] attractively on the Sabbath.100 The above [restrictions] apply only to a new white garment that may become wrinkled and soiled immediately.101
Only one person may fold [a garment]; folding it by two people [together] is forbidden.102
כב
אסור לתקן בית יד של בגדים ולשברם שברים שברים כדרך שמתקנין בחול הבגדים כשמכבסין אותן. וכן אין מקפלים הבגדים בשבת כדרך שעושין בחול בבגדים כשיכבסו אותן. ואם לא היה לו כלי אחר להחליפו מותר לקפלו ולפשטו ולהתכסות בו כדי שיתנאה בו בשבת. והוא שיהיה בגד חדש לבן שהרי הוא מתמעך ומתלכלך מיד. וכשיקפל לא יקפל אלא איש אחד אבל לקפל בשנים אסור:
23
Dyeing is one of the categories of [forbidden] labor.103Accordingly, it is forbidden for a woman to apply rouge to her face,104 because this resembles dyeing.
Sewing is one of the categories of [forbidden] labor.105Accordingly, it is forbidden to fill a new pillow or blanket with unprocessed fabric, lest one sew it closed.106 On the Sabbath one may, however, return fabric that has fallen out from a pillow or blanket107.
כג
הצובע מאבות מלאכות לפיכך אסור לאשה להעביר סרק על פניה מפני שהיא כצובעת. והתופר מאבות מלאכות לפיכך אסור למלאות הכר והכסת החדשים במוכין גזרה שמא יתפור. אבל מוכין שנשרו מן הכר או מן הכסת מחזירין אותן בשבת:
24
Tearing is one of the categories of [forbidden] labor.108Accordingly, a person whose garments catch onto thorns should separate them carefully109 and patiently, so that they do not tear. If they tear, he is not liable, for this is not his intent.110
It is permitted to wear new clothes; if they tear, it is of no consequence. We may crack open a nut in a piece of cloth without concern that [the cloth] might tear.
כד
הקורע מאבות מלאכות. לפיכך מי שנסתבכו בגדיו בקוצים מפרישן בצנעה ומתמהמה כדי שלא יקרע. ואם נקרעו אינו חייב כלום שהרי לא נתכוין. ומותר ללבוש בגדים חדשים ואם נקרעו נקרעו. פוצעין את האגוז במטלית ואין חוששין שמא תקרע:
25
A person who attaches [building materials to each other] is liable for performing a derivative [of the forbidden labor] of building.111 Therefore, all doors that are attached to the ground should not be removed, nor should they be returned to their place, lest one attach them.112
The doors of a cabinet, chest, or closet, or the doors of other utensils may be removed, but they may not be returned to their place.113 If their bottom hinge slips [partially out of place], it may be pushed back into place.114 In the Temple, it may be returned to its place.115 If, however, the upper hinge slips [out of place], it is forbidden to return it. [This is] a decree [applying] in all places,116 [enacted] lest one attach it.117
כה
התוקע חייב משום בונה לפיכך כל הדלתות המחוברות לקרקע לא נוטלין אותן ולא מחזירין גזירה שמא יתקע. אבל דלת שידה תיבה ומגדל ושאר דלתות הכלים נוטלין ולא מחזירין. ואם נשמט ציר התחתון שלהן דוחקין אותו למקומו. ובמקדש מחזירין אותו. אבל ציר העליון שנשמט אסור להחזירו בכל מקום גזירה שמא יתקע:
26
One may not braid one's hair, or set one's hair around one's forehead,118 for this would appear to resemble building.
A candelabrum made up of separate pieces may not be reassembled on the Sabbath, nor may a chair or a table made up of pieces be reconstructed,119 for this resembles building.120 If, however, one does reassemble these objects, one is not liable,121 since [the forbidden labors] of building and demolishing do not apply regarding utensils.122 If [the parts of such a utensil] remain loosely put together, one may [complete] its assembly.123
We may not adjust the vertebra in a child's backbone [so that they are aligned] one above the other,124 since this resembles building.
כו
אין גודלין את שער הראש ואין פוקסין אותו מפני שנראה כבונה. ואין מחזירין מנורה של חוליות ולא כסא המפוצל ולא שולחן המפוצל וכיוצא בהן מפני שנראה כבונה. ואם החזיר פטור שאין בנין בכלים ואין סתירה בכלים. ואם היה רפוי מותר להחזירו. ואין מתקנין חוליות של שדרה של קטן זו בצד זו מפני שנראה כבונה:
27
A person who erects a permanent tent is liable for performing a derivative [of the forbidden labor] of building.125 Accordingly, at the outset, it is forbidden to erect or demolish a temporary126 tent, lest one erect or demolish a permanent tent. If, however, one erects or demolishes a temporary tent, he is not liable.
One may add to a temporary tent on the Sabbath. What is implied? If a cloth was spread over pillars or over walls and was rolled up before the Sabbath, [the following rule applies]: If there was a portion the size of a handbreadth extended before the Sabbath,127 one may extend it until its full width on the Sabbath, causing it to become a large tent. The same applies in other similar situations.
כז
העושה אהל קבוע חייב משום בונה. לפיכך אין עושין אהל עראי לכתחלה ולא סותרין אהל עראי גזירה שמא יעשה או יסתור אהל קבוע. ואם עשה או סתר אהל עראי פטור. ומותר להוסיף על אהל עראי בשבת. כיצד טלית שהיתה פרוסה על העמודים או על הכתלים והיתה כרוכה קודם השבת אם נשאר ממנה גג טפח מתוח הרי זה מותח את כולה בשבת עד שיעשה אהל גדול וכן כל כיוצא בזה:
28
One may not hang a canopy over a bed, because a temporary tent is created beneath it. It is, by contrast, permissible to set down a bed, a chair, and a table128 even though a tent is created below them,129 since this is not the way either a permanent or temporary tent is fashioned.130
כח
אין תולין את הכילה שהרי נעשית תחתיה אהל עראי. ומותר להניח מטה וכסא וטרסקל ואף על פי שיעשה תחתיהן אהל שאין זה דרך עשיית אהל לא קבע ולא עראי:
29
Any tent with a slanted roof whose roof is not a handbreadth wide,131 nor is the span three handbreadths below its roof a handbreadth wide,132 is considered to be a temporary tent. A person who erects it for the first time on the Sabbath is not liable.133
A cloth that is hanging134 doubled over on Friday135 with cords from which its ends are suspended may be spread out and rolled up136 [on the Sabbath]. The same [rules] apply to a curtain.137
כט
כל אהל משופע שאין בגגו טפח ולא בפחות משלשה סמוך לגגו רוחב טפח הרי זה אהל עראי והעושה אותו לכתחלה בשבת פטור. טלית כפולה שהיו עליה חוטין שהיא תלויה בהן מערב שבת מותר לנטותה ומותר לפרקה וכן הפרוכת:
30
[The following rules apply to a bed over which is hung] a bridal canopy whose roof is not a handbreadth wide, nor is the span three handbreadths below its roof a handbreadth wide:138 Since it was prepared to serve this purpose [before the commencement of the Sabbath], it may be spread out and rolled up [on the Sabbath].139 [This leniency is granted,] provided it does not hang more than a handbreadth above the bed.140
A curtain141 used to close a window142 may be employed for that purpose even though it was not attached [to the window] or hanging [from it, because] it was prepared to be used for this intent.
ל
כילת חתנים שאין בגגה טפח ואין בפחות משלשה סמוך לגגה רוחב טפח. הואיל שהיא מתוקנת לכך מותר לנטותה ומותר לפרקה והוא שלא תהא משולשלת מעל המטה טפח. פקק החלון בזמן שהוא מתוקן לכך אע"פ שאינו קשור ואינו תלוי מותר לפקוק בו החלון:
31
It is permitted to wear a hat with a brim that provides shade for the person wearing143 it.144 If, however, one extends the clothes one is wearing above one's head or in front of one's face like a tent and: a) [the clothes] are tightly fitted around one's head, and b) the brim that one extends is very firm like a roof,145 this is forbidden, because one is making a temporary tent.
לא
כובע שעושין על הראש ויש לו שפה מקפת שהיא עושה צל כמו אהל על לבושו מותר ללבשו. ואם הוציא מן הבגד סביב לראשו או כנגד פניו כמו אהל והיה מהודק על ראשו והיה השפה שהוציאה קשה ביותר כמו גג אסור מפני שהוא עושה אהל עראי:
32
A person who hangs a curtain or the like should take care not to create a tent while he is doing so.146 Therefore, a large curtain should be hung by two individuals and is forbidden to be hung by a single person.
[Moreover,] a canopy with a roof147 may not be extended even if ten people help in doing so. For it is impossible that it will not be lifted up slightly above the ground [in the process] and thus form a temporary tent.
לב
הנוטה פרוכת וכיוצא בה צריך להזהר שלא יעשה אהל בשעה שנוטה לפיכך אם היתה פרוכת גדולה תולין אותה שנים אבל אחד אסור ואם היתה כילה שיש לה גג אין מותחין אותה ואפילו עשרה שא"א שלא תגבה מעט מעל הארץ ותעשה אהל עראי:
33
[A person] who covers a jug with a cloth should not cover it entirely, for this is considered to be making148 a tent.149 Instead, he should cover [merely] a portion of its opening.
A person who filters using an Egyptian basket150 should not lift the bottom of the basket above the utensil on the Sabbath so that he will not be creating a temporary tent.151
לג
בגד שמכסה בו פי החבית לא יכסה בו את כולה מפני שנעשה אהל אבל מכסה הוא מקצת פיה. המסנן בכפיפה מצרית לא יגביה קרקעית הכפיפה מן הכלי טפח כדי שלא יעשה אהל עראי בשבת
FOOTNOTES
1.See Chapter 3, Halachah 18, and Chapter 5, Halachah 19, where this subject is discussed at length. As the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 254:5) states, if one places the loaf of bread into the oven in time for it to form a crust, there is no prohibition against removing it on the Sabbath. When, however, there was not enough time for a crust to form, one must follow the instructions mentioned by the Rambam.
2.Note the parallel in Chapter 23, Halachah 24.
3.I.e., according to the Torah, there is no prohibition against bathing.
4.Even one without attendants (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 326:1).
5.As Shabbat 40a relates, a series of Rabbinic decrees were passed regarding bathhouses. When the Sages saw that the bath attendants would heat up water on the Sabbath, they forbade bathing, but allowed the people to enter a bathhouse to use as a steam bath. Afterwards, they saw that because of this leniency their original prohibition was not being observed, and they forbade entering a bathhouse altogether.
The Rambam permits bathing in cold water, and this ruling is accepted by the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 326:1). Nevertheless, most of the later Ashkenazic halachic authorities (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 326:6; Mishnah Berurah 326:21) state that it is customary not to bathe on the Sabbath at all, even in cold water. As is mentioned in Chapter 23, Halachah 8, an exception to the above rules is made regarding immersion in the mikveh.
6.I.e., even when one does not enter a bath.
7.Or other select portions of the body. A woman may wash her vaginal area in preparation for a hefsek taharah.
8.Similarly, leniency is granted regarding open bodies of water that have been heated by the sun, as stated in Halachah 9.
9.Note Shulchan Aruch HaRav 326:2 and the Mishnah Berurah 326:11, which favor opinions that do not accept this restriction.
10.See the following halachah and notes, which deal with the question whether this restriction applies after rinsing, not only one's entire body, but even a single limb.
11.The Maggid Mishneh emphasizes that in this instance, it is not heating the water in itself that is forbidden, since one is heating it to a minimal temperature. (See the following halachah.) Rather, the problem stems from the resemblance to bathing in warm water.
12.I.e., a duct or pipe containing cold water passes through a body of hot water and thus becomes warm. Even if one does not take the water from the duct itself, but has the duct flow into a pool, the water is forbidden (Shulchan Aruch, loc. cit.:3). Shabbat 3:3 relates that the inhabitants of Tiberias actually had such a heating system constructed, but the Sages forbade its use.
13.The Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.) mentions that even if the pipe was brought into the hot water on Friday, the water may not be used on the Sabbath.
14.The Rambam's intent is that the water or the oil may be heated to the point that it becomes hot enough to burn a infant's belly.
This decision is questioned by the Rabbis. Rashi and the Rambam interpret the Talmudic passage (Shabbat 40b) that serves as the source for this halachah as meaning that one may not allow the temperature of the liquid to reach the point where it could burn an infant's belly. The Rashba, Tosafot and others, however, follow a more stringent ruling and forbid placing a liquid in a place where the potential exists for it to become hot enough to burn a infant's belly, even if one removes it before that time. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 318:14) accepts the latter view.
15.The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 326:5) mentions opinions that differ and maintain that the restriction mentioned in the previous halachah applies not only after rinsing one's entire body, but after washing a single limb. For example, a person who washes his hands should not warm them by a fire. Shulchan Aruch HaRav 326:4 counsels following this stringency.
16.This is the halachic definition of the term יד סולדת בו. In contemporary measure, this is defined as 42 to 45 degrees centigrade by contemporary authorities.
17.With this statement, the Rambam emphasizes that the tub is very hot and contains a large amount of water. Therefore, even though it is a כלי שני - i.e., not a vessel that was itself heated on a fire, but a vessel into which hot water was poured - there are still restrictions, as the Rambam explains. Implied is that even though we generally follow the rule that the heat of a כלי שני is not sufficient to cook something placed within, a tub in a bathhouse is an exception.
The above represents the interpretation of the Maggid Mishneh. In the Kessef Mishneh, by contrast, Rav Yosef Karo explains that the tub we are speaking about is a כלי ראשון, a vessel in which water was heated. Were it to be a כלי שני, there would be no restrictions. His ruling in the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 318:11), appears to reflect this same view. The Ramah differs and clarifies in his gloss that the tub here is a כלי שני, adopting the explanation of the Maggid Mishneh.
18.The Ramah 318:12 states that if the amount of cold water the person adds at one time is so great that the it will not become hot, there is no prohibition against adding it, even to a כלי ראשון.
19.Shabbat 40b mentions that oil that is placed in a כלי שני does not cook. The Kessef Mishneh thus uses this as a support for his thesis that the Rambam is speaking about a tub that is a כלי ראשון. Others explain that, as stated above, even though in most instances we follow the rule that the heat of a כלי שני is not sufficient to cook something placed within, a tub in a bathhouse is an exception.
See also Hilchot Ma'aser 3:15, where it appears that the Rambam maintains that if a כלי שני is hot enough to burn a person's hand, oil that is placed inside will be cooked. The Radbaz, however, explains that the laws applying to cooking on the Sabbath are different from those applying to cooking regarding ma'aser.
20.Even according to the opinions that the Rambam is referring to a כלי ראשון, this is permitted. Although there are restrictions against pouring water from a כלי ראשון onto spices and the like, these restrictions do not apply when water is poured into other water. The rationale is that the waters mix and there is no time when the heat of the water from the כלי ראשון will be concentrated in a single space (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 318:20; Mishnah Berurah 318:78).
21.According to Rav Yosef Karo (in the Kessef Mishneh and in the Shulchan Aruch 318:12), this refers to a heating urn that was emptied entirely of hot water. One might think that pouring cold water in it would be forbidden, since the possibility exists that by doing so one will refine the metal of the urn. (See Chapter 12, Halachah 2, and notes.) Nevertheless, since this is not one's intent (אינו מתכוין), nor is it absolutely certain that this will take place (i.e., it is not a פסיק רישא), this is permitted (Chapter 1, Halachah 6).
The Maggid Mishneh and the Ramah accept this law, but they explain that it is also possible to interpret the Rambam's words as referring to an urn that was partially emptied of the water that was cooked in it, and then cold water was added. Even though the urn is a כלי ראשון, as long as so much cold water is poured in that it cannot become hot enough to burn an infant's belly, there is no prohibition involved.
22.I.e., even hot water that is in a כלי ראשון.
23.Which is in a כלי שני.
24.The Mishnah Berurah 318:82 emphasizes that if there is a small quantity of cold water, the restriction against using water from a כלי ראשון applies in both instances. One may not pour a small amount of cold water into a large amount of hot water, nor may one pour a large amount of hot water into a small amount of cold water. This ruling is not, however, accepted by all authorities. As mentioned above, according to the Ramah, one may pour hot water into a large amount of cold water, and a large amount of cold water into hot water, even if the hot water is in a כלי ראשון.
25.This law applies to most other substances, for most substances will cook in a כלי ראשון even after it is removed from a fire.
26.There is a difference of opinion concerning this matter among the Rabbis. The Tur (Orach Chayim 318) and Tosafot (Shabbat 40b) differ and maintain that salt requires only a minimal amount of cooking and should not even be placed in a כלי שני. The later authorities emphasize that this depends on the type of salt used. In many communities, it is common to follow the more stringent ruling.
27.It must be emphasized that our Sages mention that there are certain substances that do not require much cooking and can be cooked even in a כלי שני. For that reason, some authorities maintain that we should be stringent and not place any uncooked articles in a כלי שני, for we are unsure of which substances are included in the category of foods that do not require much cooking. See Ramah, Orach Chayim 318:5.
28.See Chapter 21, Halachah 22.
29.From the Rambam's placement of this halachah in this chapter, it would appear that he sees this as falling into the category of prohibitions instituted as a safeguard against cooking on the Sabbath, and not as one of the prohibitions instituted because it is forbidden to prepare remedies on the Sabbath.
30.Since soaking chiltit in cold water is forbidden only because of a Rabbinic prohibition, this prohibition is overridden because of the possibility of the person's becoming ill.
31.This law touches on the principle, אין בישול אחר בישול, "One is not liable for cooking something that is already cooked." Although this principle is accepted by all authorities, the scope of its application varies. To focus on the approach of the Rambam and to compare it to the perspective of other authorities, it is worthy to focus on each point in particular:
When food has been cooked before the Sabbath - According to the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 318:4), this refers only to food that has been thoroughly cooked.
or soaked in hot water before the Sabbath - In contrast to the Rambam's decision, the Mishnah Berurah 318:31 rules that food that was soaked in hot water before the Sabbath may be placed in hot water in a כלי שני, but should not be placed in hot water in a כלי ראשון.
one is permitted to soak it in hot water - This refers to water in a כלי ראשון that was removed from its cooking surface. It is forbidden to place any food in a pot on a cooking surface after the Sabbath has commenced (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 318:9; Mishnah Berurah 318:33).
on the Sabbath even though it is presently cold. - The Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.) states that this leniency applies only to cooked food that is dry. If the food is liquid, placing it in a כלי ראשון that is hot is considered to be cooking. From the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 22:2), it would appear that he also accepts this limitation. The Beit Yosef (Orach Chayim 318), however, maintains that the Rambam does not hold one liable, even when one reheats foods that are not dry.
32.From the Rambam's wording, it is unclear if this refers to water that was in a כלי ראשון or in a כלי שני. From his Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 3:4), it would appear that he maintains that it is permitted to pour water from a כלי ראשון directly on foods.
According to the Ashkenazic authorities, we are permitted to pour hot water on uncooked foods only from a כלי שני (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 318:11; Mishnah Berurah 318:35). Hot water from a כלי ראשון will cook the surface of the food onto which it is poured.
33.This clause comes to eliminate foods like aged salted fish or sole, whose preparation is completed by washing them with hot water. As the Rambam writes in Chapter 9, Halachah 2, one is liable for violating the forbidden labor of cooking merely by rinsing these foods with hot water.
34.The prohibition applies only to soaking the food in hot water. One may soak it in cold water (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 318:11; Mishnah Berurah 318:37).
35.See Chapter 9, Halachah 3. This prohibition was instituted lest one err and think that just as it is permitted to cook using articles heated by the sun, it is permitted to cook using articles heated by fire.
36.I.e., the leniency of placing water in the sun will not cause one to think that it is permitted to place food on a fire.
37.In his Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 22:4), the Rambam emphasizes that this law is mentioned because one might think that placing the water in the sun is forbidden, lest one place food in hot ashes.
On this basis, many authorities allow the use of water that has been heated by solar energy units on the Sabbath. Even the more stringent opinions, which object to such use, have no difficulty with the concept of using water heated by the sun. They base their objections on other rationales, among them:
That water heated by the solar energy units is heated by an object heated by the sun and not by the sun itself.
The water in the urn of the solar energy unit is very hot. When cold water enters that unit, it will be heated by the water and produce a situation resembling that of the tub mentioned in Halachah 5.
38.The bracketed additions are taken from Rashi's commentary (Shabbat 146b).
39.Rashi (loc. cit.) explains that were the food left in the sun, it might spoil. By placing it in the cistern, one preserves it.
In his Commentary on the Mishnah (loc. cit., based on Shabbat 146b), the Rambam emphasizes that this law is mentioned because one might think that placing the food in the cistern is forbidden lest one smooth out the cistern's floor.
40.Enough for one meal (Ba'er Heteiv 321:4).
41.Significantly, Rashi (Shabbat 108b) explains that the rationale for all the laws in this halachah is that salting or pickling foods is comparable to processing leather. This rationale is mentioned by the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 321:2). The Rambam, however, maintains that the forbidden labor of processing does not apply with regard to food (Chapter 11, Halachah 5).
42.In the Kessef Mishneh and in the Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.), Rav Yosef Karo states that it is forbidden to make even a small amount of such a mixture.
43.In the Kessef Mishneh, Rav Yosef Karo explains that usually fish-brine is preserved. Hence, it would appear that one is pickling food.
44.Included in the latter category are any vegetables that salt softens or makes less bitter. This includes onions, cucumbers, and most vegetables used for salads (Magen Avraham 321:7).
45.The Rambam's intent is not that pickling is forbidden as a derivative of cooking, but that there is a Rabbinic prohibition against doing so (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 321:3; Mishnah Berurah 321:16). Note, however, Karti Ufalti 105:2, which maintains that the Rambam considers that there is a Torah prohibition involved.
46.Similarly, a mixture of salt, vinegar, and oil (or other substances used for salad dressings) may be placed on these vegetables, because it no longer appears that one is salting the vegetables to pickle them (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 321:4; Mishnah Berurah 321:14).
47.Note the Mishnah Berurah 321:69, which permits making this mixture only when one does not undertake much effort in doing so.
48.Hence, this mixture, like any other remedy, may not be drunk on the Sabbath even if it was prepared before the Sabbath.
49.The Rambam appears to be saying that one may stir the mixture. The Mishnah Berurah 321:58, however, quotes this law as meaning that one may add water or wine to the mixture. Although the Rambam would probably accept that ruling as well, based on his conception of the Rabbinic prohibitions against kneading (see Chapter 21, Halachot 33-34 and notes), this is not likely his intent here.
50.The Hebrew word כלי can be rendered as either "utensil" or "container." On this basis, the Kessef Mishneh mentions the interpretation of Terumat HaDeshen (Responsum 53), which explains that one may shake a container to blend the mixture, but one may not stir it by hand. He does not, however, accept this as reflecting the Rambam's intent.
51.I.e., whip it forcefully by hand to produce a smooth, evenly flowing mixture.
52.A leafy vegetable that is used as a spice or dip when mixed with the abovementioned substances.
53.As explained in Chapter 9, Halachot 8-9.
54.A fragrant spice, noted for its cleansing powers.
55.This follows the principle of פסיק רישא stated in Chapter 1, Halachah 6 - i.e., since one's act will surely result in the performance of a prohibited act, it is considered as if this is one's intent. Although a Rabbinic prohibition is involved here, the same principle still holds.
56.This decision is based on the principle of אינו מתכוין, that an act that results in the performance of a forbidden labor is permitted if it is not a certainty that the forbidden labor will indeed come about. Indeed, the Rambam uses this law to exemplify this principle in Chapter 1, Halachah 5.
57.This is the version in the standard published texts of the Mishneh Torah. The Maggid Mishneh notes that there is another version of the text which reverses the order in this clause, stating, "If the majority was a substance that will not necessarily remove hair, it is permitted." There is a difference in the rulings resulting from these two versions of the text when the amount of both substances is equal. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 326:9) follows the version of the standard text.
Sefer HaKovetz questions why such a leniency is allowed, and explains that all prohibitions based on the principle of פסיק רישא are merely Rabbinic in origin. Accordingly, since the substances that undoubtedly remove hair are not in the majority, leniency is granted. (It must be noted that it is difficult to reconcile the statements of Sefer HaKovetz with the Rambam's own statements, Chapter 1, Halachah 6, that one is liable for performing such an act.)
58.I.e., as Shabbat 149b emphasizes, the difficulty is because a metal mirror can serve as a cutting article itself.
59.The Sages desired that their decrees be applied uniformly.
60.This includes a glass mirror, as is used today (Maggid Mishneh; Mishnah Berurah 302:63).
61.See Chapter 9, Halachah 11.
62.Rav Moshe Cohen of Lunil questions the Rambam's ruling, since one's intent is not to wring out the liquid, but to plug the flask. Shulchan Aruch HaRav 320:22 states that when one plugs the opening firmly, one will certainly squeeze water from it. Hence, this is considered a פסיק רישא. Furthermore, our Sages forbade plugging the opening loosely, lest one plug it firmly.
63.The Kessef Mishneh (in the gloss on Chapter 9, Halachah 11) uses this law to refute the Maggid Mishneh's thesis that, according to the Rambam, the prohibition against wringing out liquids applies only to water, since it is generally beverages other than water that are contained in a flask.
64.As evident from his Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 21:3), the Rambam explains that if the sponge does not have a handle, it is a פסיק רישא that one will squeeze water from it when cleaning with it. If it has a handle, that is not a certainty. This interpretation is also reflected in Rashi's commentary, Shabbat 143a.
Although the Ra'avad accepts the law, he objects to this explanation, maintaining that whether or not the sponge has a handle, one will squeeze water out when cleaning with it. Why then is one allowed to use it? Once the handle is attached, it is no longer considered to be a piece of fabric, but rather a container that is made to hold water. By using it, one is not squeezing the water directly, but merely causing it to be squeezed.
65.Note Shulchan Aruch HaRav 320:21, which states that this decree applies only to a jug of water, but not to one containing other beverages. See, however, the Kessef Mishneh's statements cited in note 63.
66.I.e., unless the cloth was designated for this purpose, it is possible that if it gets wet, one will wring out the water so that one can use it for another purpose. If, however, one has set aside the cloth for this use, one will not be concerned with its getting wet.
67.Based on the ruling of Tosafot (Shabbat 143b), the Ramah (Orach Chayim 335:1) emphasizes that this law applies only when the cask breaks. If it has a slow leak, there are no restrictions. Since there is no possibility of the person's losing the entire contents of the cask at once, our Sages did not fear that he would panic and violate the Sabbath laws to save his property.
The Ramah also mentions the ruling of Terumat HaDeshen (Responsum 196) that these restrictions apply only when one desires to bring containers from one courtyard to another. There are, however, no restrictions on using different containers within one's own property. This leniency is accepted by the later Ashkenazic authorities.
68.According to the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 335:1), one may save enough for one's Sabbath needs and the needs of one's guests, even if it is necessary to use several containers. As Rabbi Akiva Eiger notes in his gloss, the Rambam's wording does not appear to fit this interpretation.
69.The Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.) states that this restriction applies even when a sponge has a handle. (See the previous halachah.) Since the person is distressed about the loss of his property, our Sages fear that he might violate the Sabbath laws in this instance.
70.I.e., there are two restrictions: that one may save only a limited amount of wine or oil, and that the manner in which one saves these liquids must differ from one's ordinary practice.
71.According to the Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.), there is no restriction on the size of this container. Any container may be used, regardless of the amount it can hold. As mentioned, the Rambam's wording does not appear to fit this interpretation.
72.I.e., invite guests who he knows will not want to partake of the liquids. In this way, he will be able to save the liquids because of them, even though they will not partake of them. (See Hilchot Sh'vitat Yom Tov 3:17, where the Rambam mentions a similar instance where the Sages permitted one to act with guile.)
73.The Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.:3) states that it is forbidden to invite guests with this intent. If, however, one does so, it is permitted to use the wine. It is possible that this is the Rambam's intent. (The Shulchan Aruch's leniency is actually even more encompassing, and allows one to use the wine if one invites the guests after collecting it.) Based on the Maggid Mishneh, the Magen Avraham 335:2, however, states that according to the Rambam, one is permitted to act with guile in this manner.
(Kinat Eliyahu objects to this interpretation, noting the difference in the Rambam's wording in this halachah, "If one acted with guile in this matter, it is permitted," and his wording in Chapter 23, Halachah 3, "It is permitted to act with guile in this matter.")
74.Since the person rubs it from the inside, it is not obvious that his intent is to launder the garment (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 302:7).
75.Even from the outside.
76.Or with a knife (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 302:17; Mishnah Berurah 302:34).
77.The Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.) quotes the opinion of the Tur, which states that both rubbing the inside of a garment and scraping off mud are permitted only when the mud is moist. When the mud has dried, these acts are forbidden, because it is as if one is grinding the mud.
78.The Ramban and the Ra'avad follow a different version of the text of Shabbat 140a, and therefore rule that it is also permitted to rub a scarf. The Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit:5) follows the Rambam's decision, explaining that when rubbing a scarf, one's intent is to make it glistening clean.
The Be'ur Halachah cites support for the Rambam's ruling from Mo'ed Katan 10b, which states that it is permitted to rub clean one's garments on Chol HaMo'ed (see Hilchot Sh'vitat Yom Tov 8:14). This indicates that such an act is forbidden on the Sabbath.
79.I.e., a cloak becomes stiff after being laundered, and before putting it on one generally rubs it (Shulchan Aruch, loc. cit.).
80.Note Chapter 9, Halachah 11, where the Rambam states that one is not liable for wringing out leather. Similarly, the fact that he mentions the prohibition against laundering leather in this chapter appears to indicate that he considers it to be merely a Rabbinic prohibition. This perspective is also quoted by Shulchan Aruch HaRav 302:19. The Be'ur Halachah 302, however, explains that one is liable for laundering leather.
81.The Rambam appears to allow one to scrape old shoes. The Ra'avad and the Maggid Mishneh object to this ruling, based on Shabbat 141a-b, which states that it is forbidden to scrape both new and old shoes.
The commentaries offer several resolutions of this difficulty. Some point to manuscript copies of the Mishneh Torah that omit the word "new" entirely (Radbaz, Vol. V, Responsum 1628). Others explain that the Rambam mentions "new" shoes for specific reasons, but not to imply that scraping old shoes is permitted (Rabbenu Meir of Padua). Others find sources to substantiate the Rambam's ruling (Sefer HaKovetz).
The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 302:8) forbids scraping both old and new shoes. Significantly, however, the prohibition is associated with the forbidden labor of removing hair. Note also the Magen Avraham 302:17 who emphasizes that the prohibition applies only when using a knife. Using dull metal is permitted.
82.See Chapter 23, Halachah 10, which appears to contradict this ruling. Similarly, the Ra'avad and others question the text here. Significantly, Rav Kapach mentions that the Yemenite manuscripts of the Mishneh Torah follow an alternate version of the text, which does not present a difficulty.
83.Care must be taken not to press the rag firmly, lest one squeeze out water from it (Shulchan Aruch, loc. cit.:9).
84.One may not, however, rub them under water to remove the stain (Maggid Mishneh). Washing a cloth in water would be considered as laundering, even according to Torah law (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 302:20).
85.The Mishnah Berurah 302:57 states that one may also use a rag that is of no importance.
86.I.e., the prohibition was not instituted because of the act of washing one's hands with the cloth, but because one might wash the cloth later.
87.The Magen Avraham 301:58 focuses on this law as an example of the relation of the principles of Rabbinic authority to the changes in the cultural conditions under which Jews lived. Originally, this leniency was granted, because in the Talmudic era washing every day was considered a necessity, and a person who washes himself must dry himself. In his own time, washing was not considered as great a necessity. Hence, some thought of ruling that using a towel would be prohibited. Nevertheless, since the Sages of the Talmud did not institute a prohibition in this regard, the later Rabbis left the status quo unchanged. The Magen Avraham, however, concludes that it is preferable to dry oneself with a towel that one would not normally wring out during the week.
88.I.e., from rain, or because he fell into a body of water.
89.He must, however, be careful not to shake the water from them.
90.We are not, however, obligated to remove clothes that were hanging on a clothesline before the Sabbath (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 301:45).
91.The Mishnah Berurah 301:165 cites authorities who maintain that this applies only with respect to a safeguard instituted because of the possibility that an observer might think a prohibition from the Torah was violated. When the question revolves around a Rabbinic prohibition, there is room for leniency.
92.For the Sages wanted to established a uniform standard, applicable at all times.
93.The Kessef Mishneh explains that since the person desires to connect the two mikvaot, he will not insert the plug firmly to the extent that he will squeeze water from it.
94.In this instance, the person's concern is to prevent the food and utensils from being inundated by the flow of water. Accordingly, his intent will be to plug the drain in a manner that will prevent a great flow. He, however, is not concerned that there will be a slight leak and will not necessarily plug the drain tightly (Kessef Mishneh).
Merkevet HaMishneh offers a different interpretation. The Rambam is referring to a plug for a hole in a cistern. The person sees that the drain pipes leading to the cistern are full and soon the water level will reach the hole. He therefore plugs the hole so that the water will not flow out and flood the courtyard. Although he plugs the hole tightly, since the water level has not yet reached this height, there is no possibility that he will squeeze out water in the process.
95.I.e., there is a drain-pipe that leads in two directions. By plugging one end, the water can be directed into a cistern.
96.Since in this instance, the person wants to direct the flow of the water and preserve all of it, he will plug the other end of the pipe tightly. When doing so, the possibility exists that he will squeeze water from the plug.
97.Our translation is based on Rashi's commentary, Beitzah 23a.
98.See Hilchot Sh'vitat Yom Tov 8:14, which states that this is forbidden on Chol HaMo'ed because it requires professional expertise.
99.This appears to refer to folding a garment with the intent of smoothing out wrinkles that already exist. Similarly, one may fold a garment after removing it, in order that it remain uncreased so it can be worn again on the Sabbath (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 302:8).
100.One may fold and refold a garment several times on the Sabbath (Shabbat 15:3). If, however, there is no need to wear a garment again on the Sabbath, one may not fold it so that it will remain uncreased for the following day. For this reason, it is forbidden to fold one's tallit on the Sabbath after the morning prayers (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 302:8; Mishnah Berurah 302:13).
101.Note Rashi (Shabbat 113a), who offers a different explanation of the Talmudic passage that serves as the source for the Rambam's ruling.
102.When two people fold a garment, the possibility exists that one will smooth out the creases by hand. This is forbidden (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 302:9).
103.See Chapter 9, Halachah 13.
104.Similarly, the application of other forms of makeup is forbidden (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 303:25 and commentaries).
105.See Chapter 10, Halachah 9.
106.Note Rashi (Shabbat 48a), who offers a different rationale for this restriction: that this resembles making a utensil.
107.The Mishnah Berurah 340:32 emphasizes that one may return them to the same pillow or blanket, but may not transfer them to another one on the Sabbath.
108.See Chapter 10, Halachah 10.
109.Our translation has parallels in the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah, D'mai 6:6 and Kilayim 9:5. The Merkevet HaMishneh, however, renders this word as "modestly" - i.e., so others will not see him and think that he is tearing.
110.As mentioned several times, a person is not liable for performing a forbidden labor without intention. In this instance, there is an even greater reason for leniency, since the concept of intent is particularly important regarding this category of forbidden labor. As the Rambam mentions in Chapter 10, the forbidden labor of tearing consists of tearing for the sake of resewing.
111.See Chapter 10, Halachot 12-14.
112.The Maggid Mishneh questions the Rambam's statements here, noting that from the halachot cited above, it would appear that by returning the doors to their place one would be liable for performing the forbidden labor of building.
113.According to the Ramah (Orach Chayim 314:1), this law applies only to small cabinents and chests, those smaller than 40 seah, approximately .375 square meters in modern measure.
In a related matter, Shulchan Aruch HaRav 308:34-35 emphasizes that in contrast to the doors of a building, the doors of cabinets, chests, and the like are not considered muktzeh on the Sabbath. Since they were part of a utensil before they were removed, they are still considered to be utensils afterwards. In contrast, the doors of a building were not considered utensils before the commencement of the Sabbath. Hence, if they are removed on the Sabbath, it is forbidden to carry them.
114.If, however, it slips off entirely, it may not be returned outside the Temple (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 313:5).
115.Since the prohibitions in the category of sh'vut need not be observed in the Temple.
116.I.e., even in the Temple. This is an exception to the principle mentioned in the previous note, because, in this instance it is very likely that one will perform a forbidden labor (Tosafot, Eruvin 102b).
117.There is a greater concern that one will attach the upper hinge firmly, because if it becomes detached the door will fall. If, by contrast, the upper hinge remains attached but the lower hinge slips off, the door will still remain hanging.
118.Our translation is based on the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 10:7). Rashi interprets this term to refer to "parting the hair." Note also the Mishnah Berurah 303:83, which discusses whether this restriction applies regarding only a woman's natural hair, or also regarding a wig.
119.See also Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 315:5), which - albeit in a different context - allows the use of folding chairs on the Sabbath. One may add a leaf to a table, but one may not construct a table by placing the table board on its legs.
120.Many other authorities differ and explain that the prohibition was instituted lest one firmly attach the parts to each other. Were one to do so, one would be liable for performing the forbidden labor of מכה בפטיש, completing a utensil (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 313:6).
121.It appears that, accordingly to the Rambam, even if a person were to attach the parts firmly to each other, he would not be liable. As mentioned, others differ.
122.The Rambam's perspective on this issue requires clarification: Beitzah 22a states, "There is no [concept of] building regarding utensils."
The Rambam explains that this refers only to putting together a utensil that is made up of several component parts. Fashioning a new utensil, by contrast, is surely considered building, as explained in Chapter 10, Halachah 13 and notes. As mentioned, others differ and maintain that a person who fashions a new utensil is liable for performing the forbidden labor of מכה בפטיש, completing a utensil.
123.According to the Rambam, the rationale for the leniency appears to be that since the parts hang loosely, one would not confuse assembling such a structure with erecting a building. According to the other authorities, the rationale is that since the parts of the utensil hang loosely, there is little likelihood that one will attach the parts firmly to each other.
124.This refers to adjusting the child's limbs by hand. As mentioned in Chapter 21, Halachah 31, one may tie clothes around the child to adjust his limbs. Furthermore, on the day of a child's birth, it is permitted to adjust his limbs (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 330:10; Mishnah Berurah 330:34). Even afterwards, many authorities allow the adjustment of other limbs, with the exception of the backbone.
125.See Chapter 10, Halachah 13.
126.In this context, the word "temporary" is defined as "not constructed to remain for a prolonged period" (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 315:1). It would appear that, according to the Rambam, even if a tent has a roof that is a handbreadth wide, its classification as permanent or temporary depends on the intent of the person who erects it. (See the Noda BiY'hudah, Vol. II, Orach Chayim, Responsum 30.)
Based on this restriction, the Noda BiY'hudah (loc. cit.) forbids opening an umbrella on the Sabbath. Similarly, because of the appearance that might be created, he forbids carrying an umbrella on the Sabbath even when: a) it was opened before the Sabbath, and b) the community possesses an eruv that makes it permitted to carry.
127.If, however, the overhang was not at all extended before the commencement of the Sabbath, it may not be extended on the Sabbath. Although it was suspended above the wall before the Sabbath, since it was completely rolled up, it may not be used.
128.Similarly, it is permitted to place a table-top on its legs (Maggid Mishneh). Note, however, the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 315:3), which forbids placing a table-top on legs that appear as walls.
129.I.e., a space is covered by a surface supported by four legs.
130.Since one does not use the space below them (Maggid Mishneh).
Note the apparent contradiction between the Rambam's ruling here and his ruling in Hilchot Sh'vitat Yom Tov 4:15, and the resolution offered by the Lechem Mishneh there.
131.I.e., the walls of the tent slant downward, and it does not have a straight roof that is a handbreadth wide.
132.Based on the principle of l'vud, the space within three handbreadths is considered to be a single entity. Thus, were it to be a handbreadth wide, the tent would be considered as having a roof of significant size (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 315:15).
133.This follows the opinion of Rabbenu Yitzchak Alfasi and Rabbenu Chanan'el. Rashi and Rabbenu Asher, by contrast, maintain that since the tent does not have a roof that is a handbreadth wide, it can never be considered even a temporary tent, and there is no prohibition in constructing it. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 315:8) follows the Rambam's ruling.
134.I.e., there is a beam in the middle of a room on which a cloth is rolled that will be spread out to serve as a cover for a bed. Cords are attached to the cloth, and when they are pulled it is extended to form the canopy. Needless to say, such a canopy must meet the criteria mentioned in the first clause of this halachah regarding the width of its roof (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 315:16; Mishnah Berurah 315:37).
135.As implied by the first clause, had the cloth not been hanging before the commencement of the Sabbath, hanging it on the Sabbath itself would have been forbidden. Nevertheless, since it was hanging before the Sabbath and the cords that extend it are already in place, it is considered already to have been extended the length of a handbreadth. Therefore, extending it further is permitted, as mentioned in Halachah 27 (ibid.).
136.Since spreading out the cloth is not considered to be building a tent, closing it is not considered to be demolishing one (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 315:16; Mishnah Berurah 315:38). This and all the other leniencies associated with a temporary tent apply when the roof of the temporary tent is less than a handbreadth wide (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 315:17; Mishnah Berurah 315:38). This ruling is also reflected in the following halachah.
137.Note the Ramah (Orach Chayim 315:1), who states that one may hang a curtain on the Sabbath, even if one intends to leave it hanging permanently, provided there is no halachic significance to its being hung - e.g., to hang a curtain in front of a toilet so that one could pray in that same room.
Note also the Mishnah Berurah 315:38, which states that the wording of this halachah indicates that the cords from which a curtain hangs must be prepared before the commencement of the Sabbath, as the cords of the cloth mentioned immediately before. There are, however, other authorities who do not accept this view. (See also Halachah 32, which describes the manner in which a curtain may be hung.)
138.Thus, it meets the criteria of a temporary tent mentioned in the previous halachah.
139.This represents a greater leniency than the previous halachah. In that halachah, leniency was granted only because the ends of the canopy were hanging from the curtain rods and attached by strings. In this instance, the canopy was not hanging before the Sabbath. Nevertheless, since it was prepared to serve this purpose, it is permitted.
140.The Maggid Mishneh cites the interpretation of the Rashba, who explains that this refers to a canopy that hangs down a handbreadth below the bed. The part that hangs down is thus considered to be a wall - and the slanted portion of the canopy, a roof.
Based on this interpretation, he finds it necessary to differentiate between such a canopy and a sheet or blanket extended over a bed that is used at present. In the latter instance, even though the sheet or blanket extends more than a handbreadth on either side of the bed, it is not considered a tent, since it was not spread out with the purpose of enclosing space. The canopy, by contrast, was spread out for that purpose and hence is considered a tent in certain instances.
Although this interpretation is accepted by the later authorities (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 315:18; Mishnah Berurah 315:42), Rav Kapach notes that it does not fit the wording used by the Rambam, "provided it does not hang more than a handbreadth above the bed." He thus explains that if the canopy hangs more than a handbreadth above the bed, that open space is considered a wall, and the canopy, its roof.
141.Our translation is taken from the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 17:7). Others render this as "a shutter." It would, however, appear that the Rambam would not object to the use of a shutter for this purpose. Indeed, as indicated by Shabbat 24:5, it is permitted to use any utensil for this purpose. Compare also to Chapter 26, Halachah 10.
142.The rationale for this leniency is that this is considered equivalent to closing a window or a door which is permitted on the Sabbath (Shabbat 125b).
The same rules apply regarding an aperture in the roof (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 313:1; Mishnah Berurah 313:1).
143.In this instance, we have adopted the version of this halachah found in the Yemenite manuscripts of the Mishneh Torah. The version of the standard published texts would be rendered "on one's garments."
144.The Maggid Mishneh and similarly, the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 301:40), interpret this as referring to a hat with a brim less than a handbreadth. According to their interpretation, putting on such a hat is forbidden even in one's home. The Noda BiY'hudah (Vol. II, Orach Chayim, Responsum 30), however, explains that there is no prohibition against putting on a hat, regardless of how wide its brim is.
145.Note the Radbaz (Vol. V, Responsum 1450), who explains that both of these stipulations are derived from the Hebrew word מהודק used in Shabbat 138b, the source for this halachah. מהודק means "firm," and in this context, the use of the word implies both "firmly attached" and that the brim is firm. When both these stipulations are fulfilled, the garment resembles a tent.
Note Rashi, however, who explains that the head-covering must be firmly attached to one's head. Otherwise, one may not wear it in the public domain, lest the wind blow it from one's head. Rashi's interpretation is followed by most later commentaries and accepted by the Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.:41).
146.I.e., there is no prohibition against hanging the curtain if one holds it upright. This, however, is difficult when hanging a large curtain. Inevitably, one will hold one portion of the curtain with one's left hand and fold at least a handbreadth or more over with one's right hand while hanging it. Thus, a temporary tent will have been created.
This represents the Rambam's conception of the passage in Shabbat 138b, the source for this halachah. Although the Ra'avad and others interpret that passage differently, the Rambam's view is accepted by the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 315:12). (See also the final clause of Halachah 29 and notes.)
147.I.e., in contrast to the canopy described in Halachah 29.
148.Similarly, removing the cover is forbidden, since it is considered to be demolishing a tent (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 315:19).
149.The Maggid Mishneh mentions that this restriction applies only when there is a handbreadth or more of empty space in the jug. This qualification is accepted by the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 315:13).
The Maggid Mishneh also mentions that the Rashba and the Ra'avad interpret Shabbat 139b, the source for this halachah, differently, and therefore reach a more lenient decision. Although their view is mentioned by the later authorities, the general consensus is to follow the Rambam's ruling.
150.See Chapter 21, Halachah 17, and notes.
151.Rashi (Shabbat, loc. cit.) interprets the passage that serves as the source for this halachah as the Rambam does. Others, however, explain that this restriction was instituted to make one deviate from one's ordinary practice as a safeguard associated with the forbidden labor of sifting.
Shabbat - Chapter Twenty Three
1
A person who makes a hole that can be used as an entrance and as an exit - e.g., a hole in a chicken coop that is used to allow light to enter and to allow foul air to leave - is liable [for performing the forbidden labor] of dealing [the final] hammer blow.1
Accordingly, [the Sages instituted] a decree [forbidding] the opening of any hole, even one intended to be used only as an outlet or only as an inlet, lest one open a hole for which one is liable.2 For this reason, it is forbidden to make a new hole in a cask or to widen an existing one.3 One may, however, open an existing hole [that has been plugged].4
[The above leniency applies] provided the hole is not located below the level of the dregs [in the cask],5 for a hole made below the level of the dregs is intended to hold fast.6 [Therefore,] it is forbidden to open it.
א
העושה נקב שהוא עשוי להכניס ולהוציא כגון נקב שבלול התרנגולין שהוא עשוי להכניס האורה ולהוציא ההבל הרי זה חייב משום מכה בפטיש. לפיכך גזרו על כל נקב אפילו היה עשוי להוציא בלבד או להכניס בלבד שמא יבוא לעשות נקב שחייבין עליו. ומפני זה אין נוקבין בחבית נקב חדש ואין מוסיפין בו. אבל פותחין נקב ישן. והוא שלא יהיה הנקב למטה מן השמרים שאם היה למטה מן השמרים הרי זה עשוי לחזק ואסור לפתחו:
2
One may make a hole in the seal7 of a cask in order to pour out wine from it, provided one opens it from the top.8 It is, however, forbidden to open it from the side [of the seal],9 for this resembles making a utensil.
A person may break a barrel10 to eat dried figs contained in it, provided he does not intend to make a utensil.11 Similarly, a person may bring a cask of wine and slash its top off with a sword12 for his guests13 without any concern [about the above restrictions], for his intent is [not to make a utensil, but solely] to show his feelings of generosity.
ב
נוקבין מגופה של חבית להוציא ממנה יין ובלבד שינקבנה מלמעלה אבל מצדה אסור מפני שהוא כמתקן כלי. שובר אדם את החבית לאכול ממנה גרוגרות ובלבד שלא יתכוין לעשות כלי. ומביא אדם חבית של יין ומתיז את ראשה בסייף לפני האורחין ואינו חושש. שאין כוונתו אלא להראות נדיבת לבו:
3
Just as it is forbidden to open any hole, so too, is it forbidden to close any hole.14 Therefore, it is forbidden to close a hole in a barrel, even when one employs an article that need not be spread,15 or one that will not lead to squeezing - 16 e.g., to plug it with a piece of wood or with a small stone.17
One may, however, store food [by placing it the opening of the barrel]. This is permitted even though, in the process, the barrel is stopped up. It is permitted to act with guile in this matter.18
ג
וכשם שאסור לפתוח כל נקב כך אסור לסתום כל נקב. לפיכך אסור לסתום נקב החבית ואפילו בדבר שאינו מתמרח ואינו בא לידי סחיטה כגון שיסתום בקיסם או בצרור קטן. אבל אם הניח שם אוכל כדי להצניעו ונמצא הנקב נסתם מותר. ומותר להערים בדבר זה:
4
[Performing] any action that completes the fashioning [of an object] causes one to be liable for [the forbidden labor of] dealing the final blow. For this reason, a person who files [the smallest amount of an object] or who repairs an article in any way is liable.19
Accordingly, it is forbidden to sound musical tones on the Sabbath, whether using a musical instrument - e.g., a harp or a lyre - or using another object. It is even forbidden to tap with one's fingers on the ground or on a board,20 to snap one's fingers rhythmically21 as singers do,22 to shake a nut [like a rattle] for a child, or to ring a bell to quiet [a child]. All of these [restrictions were instituted as] a decree, lest one repair a musical instrument.
ד
כל דבר שהוא גמר מלאכה חייב עליו משום מכה בפטיש. ומפני זה הגורר כל שהוא או המתקן כלי באיזה דבר שיתקן חייב. לפיכך אסור להשמיע קול של שיר בשבת בין בכלי שיר כגון כנורות ונבלים בין בשאר דברים. אפילו להכות באצבע על הקרקע או על הלוח או אחת כנגד אחת כדרך המשוררים או לקשקש את האגוז לתינוק או לשחק בו בזוג כדי שישתוק כל זה וכיוצא בו אסור גזירה שמא יתקן כלי שיר:
5
We may not drum, nor dance, nor clap hands on the Sabbath.23 [These are] decrees, [instituted] lest one repair a musical instrument. One may, however, clap using the back of one's hands.
One may not swim24 in water. [This is] a decree, instituted lest one make a float. It is permitted to swim in a pool in one's courtyard,25 provided the pool has an edge jutting up so that the water does not flow out of it. This serves as a distinguishing factor between a pool and the sea.
ה
אין מספקין ולא מרקדין ואין מטפחין בשבת גזירה שמא יתקן כלי שיר ולספק כלאחר יד מותר. אין שטין על פני המים גזירה שמא יתקן חבית של שייטין. בריכה שבחצר מותר לשוט בתוכה שאינו בא לעשות חבית של שייטין והוא שיהיה לה שפה מוקפת שלא יעקר ממנה המים. כדי שיהיה היכר והפרש בינה ובין הים:
6
One may not cut a reed, since this resembles preparing a utensil.26 If [a reed] is cut27 [before the commencement of the Sabbath], even though it has not been adjusted,28 it may be inserted into a hole in the barrel on the Sabbath. We are not concerned that one might adjust it.
It is forbidden to place a myrtle leaf or the like in the opening of a cask so that the wine will flow through it, since this resembles making a faucet29 on the Sabbath.30 We may not break a shard or tear a piece of paper,31 since this resembles preparing a utensil.
ו
אין חותכין שפופרת של קנה מפני שהוא כמתקן כלי. היתה חתוכה אף על פי שאינה מתוקנת מותר להכניסה בנקב החבית בשבת להוציא ממנה יין ואין חוששין שמא יתקן. ואסור להניח עלה של הדס וכיוצא בו בתוך הנקב של חבית כדי שיקלח את היין מפני שהוא כעושה מרזב בשבת. ואין שוברין את החרס ואין קורעין את הנייר מפני שהוא כמתקן כלי:
7
One may draw water using a branch that is tied to the cup [used to draw water from the well]. If it is not tied to the cup, we may not draw water with it. [This is] a decree, [instituted] lest one trim [the branch] and adjust it.
It is forbidden to polish silverware with greitikon,32 because this makes it shine as if it had been treated by a craftsman. Thus, it appears as if one is repairing a utensil and completing one's work on the Sabbath.33 One may, however, polish it with sand34 and neter.35 Similarly, all [other] utensils may be polished with any substance.
It is forbidden to wash plates, cooking dishes, or the like, because it is as if one is improving them,36 unless one washes them for the sake of using them to eat another meal on this Sabbath.37 Utensils used for drinking, by contrast - e.g., glasses and pitchers - may be washed at any time, for there is no limit to [the number of times a person may desire to] drink.38
One may not make beds on the Sabbath in order to sleep on them on Saturday night.39 One may, however, make the beds [after sleeping on them] Friday night in order to use them again on the Sabbath.
ז
זמורה שהיא קשורה בטפיח ממלאין בה בשבת. ואם אינה קשורה אין ממלאין בה גזירה שמא יקטום אותה ויתקעה. אסור לחוף כלי כסף בגרתקון מפני שהוא מלבנן כדרך שהאומנין עושין ונמצא כמתקן כלי וגומר מלאכתו בשבת. אבל חופפין אותו בחול ובנתר. וכן כל הכלים חופפין אותן בכל דבר. ואסור להדיח קערות ואלפסין וכיוצא בהן מפני שהוא כמתקן אא"כ הדיחן לאכול בהן סעודה אחרת באותה שבת. אבל כלי שתיה כגון כוסות וקיתונות מותר להדיחן בכל עת שאין קבע לשתיה. ואין מציעין את המטות בשבת כדי לישן עליהן למוצאי שבת אבל מציעין מלילי שבת לשבת:
8
On the Sabbath, it is forbidden to immerse [in a mikveh] utensils that are ritually impure, because it resembles repairing the utensil.40 An impure person, by contrast, may immerse himself,41 because it appears [as if his intent] is to cool off. One may not sprinkle [ashes from the red heifer] on the Sabbath.42
A person who immerses utensils on the Sabbath without knowing of the prohibition involved may use them [on the Sabbath]. If [by contrast,] he violates the prohibition intentionally, he should not use them until Saturday night.
It is permitted to immerse impure water on the Sabbath. What should be done? The water should be placed in a container that is not susceptible to contracting ritual impurity43 - e.g., a container made of stone44 - and the container should be immersed until it is submerged in the waters of the mikveh and thus purified.
ח
אסור להטביל כלים טמאין בשבת מפני שהוא כמתקן כלי. אבל אדם טמא מותר לטבול מפני שנראה כמיקר. ואין מזין עליו בשבת. המטביל כלים בשבת בשוגג ישתמש בהן. במזיד לא ישתמש בהן עד למוצ"ש. ומותר להטביל את המים הטמאים בשבת. כיצד יעשה נותנן בכלי שאינו מקבל טומאה כגון כלי אבנים ומטביל הכלים במקוה עד שיעלה מי המקוה עליהן ויטהרו:
9
We may not separate terumah or tithes on the Sabbath,45 because it appears as if one is repairing an article that requires repair.46
ט
אין מגביהין תרומות ומעשרות בשבת מפני שנראה כמתקן דבר שלא היה מתוקן:
10
Processing leather is one of the categories of [forbidden] labor.47 A person who softens a hide with oil as the leather-workers do is liable for processing leather.48 Therefore, a person should not anoint his foot49 with oil while wearing a new shoe or sandal.50 He may, however, anoint his foot with oil and put on his shoes or sandals, even though they are new. Similarly, he may apply oil to his entire body and roll on a new bed cover51 without any concern.
When does the above apply? When only a small amount [of oil] is used, enough merely to polish the leather. If, however, he has a large quantity of oil on his skin that would soften the leather, this is forbidden, since this resembles processing it. All [the above restrictions] apply with regard only to new items. It is permitted to do so with old ones.52
י
מעבד מאבות מלאכות הוא. והמרכך עור בשמן כדרך שהעבדנים עושים הרי זה מעבד וחייב. לפיכך לא יסוך אדם רגלו בשמן והוא בתוך המנעל או בתוך הסנדל החדשים. אבל סך הוא את רגלו שמן ולובש מנעלו או סנדלו אע"פ שהן חדשים. וסך כל גופו שמן ומתעגל על גבי קטבליא חדשה ואינו חושש. במה דברים אמורים כשהיה השמן מועט כדי שיצחצח העור בלבד אבל אם היה בבשרו שמן הרבה כדי שירכך העור הרי זה אסור מפני שהוא כמעבדו. והכל בחדשים אבל בישנים מותר:
11
A person who spreads a plaster on the Sabbath is liable for [performing a derivative of the forbidden labor of] smoothing a hide.53 Therefore, it is forbidden to close a hole with wax and the like, lest one spread it.54 It is even forbidden to close a hole with fat. [This is] a decree, [enacted] lest [one use] wax.
יא
הממרח רטיה בשבת חייב משום מוחק את העור. לפיכך אין סותמין נקב בשעוה וכיוצא בה שמא ימרח ואפילו בשומן אין סותמין את הנקב גזירה משום שעוה:
12
Writing is one of the categories of [forbidden] labor.55 Accordingly, it is forbidden to apply eye-paint with a brush and the like on the Sabbath, because this resembles writing.56
[Similarly,] it is forbidden to give a loan or to take a loan. [These are] decrees, [instituted] lest one write. By the same token, it is forbidden to buy,57 to sell,58 to rent,59 or to rent out. [These are all] decrees, [instituted] lest one write.
A person should not hire workers on the Sabbath,60 nor should he tell a colleague to hire workers for him.61 One may, however, borrow and lend [objects]. A person may [even] borrow jugs of wine or jugs of oil62 from a colleague, provided he does not say "Give me... as a loan."63
יב
כותב מאבות מלאכות. לפיכך אסור לכחול בפוך וכיוצא בו בשבת מפני שהוא ככותב. ואסור ללוות ולהלוות גזירה שמא יכתוב. וכן אסור לקנות ולמכור ולשכור ולהשכיר גזירה שמא יכתוב. לא ישכור אדם פועלים בשבת ולא יאמר לחבירו לשכור לו פועלין. אבל לשאול ולהשאיל מותר. שואל אדם מחבירו כדי יין וכדי שמן ובלבד שלא יאמר לו הלויני:
13
It is forbidden to make a sale with a verbal [agreement] or to transfer the article [to the purchaser], whether one weighs it or not.64 Just as it is forbidden to weigh, so too is it forbidden to count and to measure, whether using a measuring container, one's hands, or a rope.65
יג
אחד המוכר בפה או במסירה אסור. (ואסור לשקול) בין במאזנים בין שלא במאזנים. וכשם שאסור לשקול כך אסור למנות ולמדוד בין בכלי מדה בין ביד בין בחבל:
14
Court is not convened on the Sabbath, nor are [the rites of] chalitzah66 or yibbum67 conducted, nor are women betrothed,68 lest one write.69
[Property] may not be consecrated,70 nor may endowment evaluations be made,71 nor may [property] be set aside,72 because this resembles a sale.
Nor may terumah and the tithes be separated, for this resembles consecrating the produce one has separated, and also because, [through this ritual,] one makes [the produce] fit [for use] on the Sabbath.73
One may not tithe one's animals.74 [This is] a decree, [instituted] lest one mark [the animal] with red paint.75 A person may consecrate his Paschal sacrifice on the Sabbath76 and his festive offering on a holiday, for this is the mitzvah associated with that day.77
Just as property may not be consecrated, so too, water may not be consecrated for use [in sprinkling the ashes of the red heifer].78
יד
אין דנין בשבת ולא חולצין ולא מיבמין ולא מקדשין גזירה שמא יכתוב. ואין מקדישין ולא מעריכין ולא מחרימין מפני שהוא כמקח וממכר. ואין מגביהין תרומות ומעשרות שזה דומה למקדיש אותן פירות שהפריש. ועוד מפני שהוא כמתקן אותן בשבת. ואין מעשרין את הבהמה גזירה שמא ירשום בסיקרא. ומקדיש אדם פסחו בשבת וחגיגתו ביום טוב שזו מצות היום היא. וכשם שאין מקדישין כך אין מקדשין מי חטאת:
15
When a person separates terumot and tithes on the Sabbath or on a holiday without intentionally desiring to transgress the prohibition involved, he may partake of the produce that he made fit to eat. If he intentionally desired to violate the prohibition, [the produce] is forbidden until Saturday night.79 The separation is, nevertheless, effective.
Similarly, when a person consecrates [an object], makes an endowment evaluation, or sets property aside on the Sabbath, with or without the intention to violate the prohibition, the act he performs is effective. Needless to say, this applies on a holiday. Similarly, a business transaction that a person makes with a colleague on the Sabbath is effective.80
Between sunset and the appearance of the stars [on Friday], we may separate tithes81 from produce that is d'mai.82 [This leniency] is not, however, [granted] for produce from which one knows that the tithes have not been separated.
טו
המגביה תרומות ומעשרות בשבת או ביום טוב בשוגג יאכל ממה שהתקין. במזיד לא יאכל עד מוצאי שבת. ובין כך ובין כך תיקן את הפירות. וכן המקדיש או המעריך או המחרים בשבת בין בשוגג בין במזיד מה שעשה עשוי ואין צריך לומר ביום טוב. וכן המקנה לחבירו בשבת קנה. מעשרין את הדמאי בין השמשות אבל לא את הודאי:
16
A person who designates83 [a portion of produce] that is d'mai as terumat ma'aser,84 or [who designates a portion of produce as] the tithe for the poor85 should not take these portions [and give them to the individuals entitled to receive them]86 on the Sabbath. [This restriction applies] despite the fact that the place [of these portions] is designated before the Sabbath and they are placed in a known location at the side of [the remainder of] the produce.
If, however, a priest or a poor person is accustomed to be hosted by this person, he may come and partake [of these designated portions,] provided the person informs87 the priest that he is feeding him from terumat ma'aser, or the poor person that he is feeding him from the tithe of the poor.
טז
מי שקרא שם לתרומת מעשר של דמאי או למעשר עני של ודאי לא יטלם בשבת אע"פ שייחד מקומן מקודם השבת והרי הן ידועין ומונחין בצד הפירות. ואם היה כהן או עני למודים לאכול אצלו יבאו ויאכלו. ובלבד שיודיע לכהן שזו שאני מאכילך תרומת מעשר ויודיע לעני שזו שאני מאכילך מעשר עני:
17
It is forbidden to draw lots or to play dice88 on the Sabbath, because this is equivalent to commercial activity. A person may draw lots with his children and the members of his household,89 [determining who will receive] large and small portions,90 for they will not take issue [among themselves].
יז
אסור להפיס ולשחק בקוביא בשבת מפני שהוא כמקח וממכר. ומפיס אדם עם בניו ועם בני ביתו על מנה גדולה כנגד מנה קטנה מפני שאין מקפידין:
18
On the Sabbath a person is forbidden to calculate accounts that he requires, whether concerning matters of the past or matters of the future. [This is] a decree, [enacted] lest one write.
Therefore, calculations that are of no practical benefit may be performed on the Sabbath. What is implied? [A person may calculate] how many seah of grain he possessed in a particular year, how many dinarim his son's wedding cost, or the like. [Since] these are insignificant matters with no usefulness, there is no difference between making these calculations on the Sabbath or during the week.91
יח
אסור לחשב חשבונות שהוא צריך להן בשבת בין שעבר בין שעתיד להיות גזירה שמא יכתוב. לפיכך חשבונות שאין בהן צורך מותר לחשבן. כיצד כמה סאין תבואה היה לנו בשנה פלונית. כמה דינרין הוציא בחתנות בנו וכיוצא באלו שהן בכלל שיחה בטילה שאין בהן צורך כלל המחשב אותן בשבת כמחשב בחול:
19
It is forbidden to read mundane documents92 on the Sabbath, lest one conduct oneself in an ordinary manner and be provoked to make an erasure.93
A person may verbally count his guests and the desserts [he will serve them],94 but may not read a written list, lest he read a mundane document. Therefore, if the names were engraved into a tablet or into the wall, one is allowed to read them, for [such writing] will not be interchanged with a [written] document.
It is forbidden to read the writing under a figure or an image95on the Sabbath. It is even forbidden to read the Sacred Writings96 during the time the House of Study is in session, lest this lead to the neglect of the House of Study - i.e., so that no one should stay home and read the Sacred Writings and thus be held back from attending the House of Study.97
יט
אסור לקרות בשטרי הדיוטות בשבת שלא יהא כדרך חול ויבא למחוק. מונה אדם פרפרותיו ואת אורחיו מפיו אבל לא מן הכתב כדי שלא יקרא בשטרי הדיוטות. לפיכך אם היו השמות חקוקין על הטבלא או על הכותל מותר לקרותן מפני שאינו מתחלף בשטר. ואסור לקרות בכתב המהלך תחת הצורה ותחת הדיוקני בשבת. אף לקרות בכתובים בשבת בשעת בית המדרש אסור גזירה משום ביטול בית המדרש שלא יהיה כל אחד יושב בביתו וקורא וימנע מבית המדרש:
20
[When] a fire breaks out in a courtyard on the Sabbath, a person may not save all [his possessions] in the courtyard98 [by transferring them] to another courtyard99 in the same lane, despite the fact [that carrying is permitted because] of an eruv. [This is a] decree, [instituted] lest a person extinguish the fire in order to save his property. [This is necessary because] a person panics when his property [is in danger of] being lost.100
For this reason, [our Sages] decreed that a person may save only the food he needs for that Sabbath,101 the utensils he needs to use on that Sabbath,102 and the clothes that he can wear.103 Thus, he will despair of saving his property and he will not be motivated to extinguish the fire.
If there is no eruv, one may not even save one's food and one's utensils.104
כ
נפלה דליקה בחצר בשבת אינו מציל כל מה שיש בחצר לחצר אחרת שבאותו המבוי אף על פי שעירבו גזירה שמא יכבה הדליקה כדי שיציל מפני שאדם בהול על ממונו. לפיכך גזרו שלא יציל אלא מזון שהוא צריך לו לאותו שבת וכלים שצריך להשתמש בהן בשבת ובגדים שיכול ללבוש. שנמצא מתייאש מן הכל ואינו בא לידי כיבוי. ואם לא עירבו אף מזונו וכליו אינו מציל:
21
What food may a person save? If a fire breaks out on Friday night, one may save enough food for three meals.105 Foodstuffs that are fit for human consumption may be saved for humans, and fodder that is fit for animals may be saved for animals.
If the fire breaks out in the morning, one may save enough for two meals; in the afternoon, enough for one meal.
כא
ומה הוא מציל למזונו. אם נפלה דליקה בלילי שבת מצילין מזון שלש סעודות. הראוי לאדם לאדם והראוי לבהמה לבהמה. נפלה בשחרית מצילין מזון שתי סעודות. במנחה מצילין מזון סעודה אחת:
22
When does the [restriction] on taking only the food for one's needs apply? When one uses many containers to save [the food] or one uses a single container, removes it, empties it, and fills it again. If, however, one removes a single container at one time, it is permitted to remove it even though it contains enough food for many meals.
כב
במה דברים אמורים במציל בכלים הרבה או שהיה ממלא כלי ומוציאו ומערה וחוזר וממלא אותו שנית הוא שאין מציל אלא מה שהוא צריך לו. אבל אם הוציא כלי אחד בהוצאה אחת אע"פ שיש בו כמה סעודות מותר:
23
What is implied? One may save a basket filled with loaves of bread, even though it contains enough for several meals. [One also may save] a cake of dried figs and a cask of wine.106 Similarly, it is permitted to spread out a garment, collect all [the food]107 one can within it, and remove it at one time.
כג
כיצד מציל סל מלא ככרות אף על פי שיש בו כמה סעודות. ועגול של דבילה וחבית של יין. וכן אם פרש טליתו וקבץ בה כל מה שיכול להוציא והוציאה מלאה בבת אחת מותר:
24
One may tell others, "Come and save for yourselves."108 Every individual is allowed to save enough food for his needs or a single container that holds a large amount. [The food that] these individuals save belongs to them.109
If the person who saves it does not want to take it and returns it to its [original] owner,110 it is permitted for him to take payment for his efforts after [the conclusion of] the Sabbath.111 It is not considered a wage [paid for working on] the Sabbath,112since no [forbidden] labor was [performed], nor was a prohibition [transgressed], for one [merely] removed the food into a place [enclosed in the same] eruv.
כד
ואומר לאחרים בואו והצילו לכם וכל אחד ואחד מציל מזון שהוא צריך לו או כלי אחד שמחזיק אפילו דבר גדול והרי הוא של מציל. ואם לא רצה המציל לקחתו ונתנו לבעליו מותר לו ליטול ממנו אחר השבת שכר עמלו ואין זה שכר שבת שהרי אין שם מלאכה ולא איסור שלא הוציאו אלא במקום מעורב:
25
A person who saves a loaf of fine flour may not return and save a loaf of coarse flour. If, however, one saved a loaf of coarse flour, one may return and save a loaf of fine flour.113
When Yom Kippur falls on Friday,114 a person may save [food] on Yom Kippur that he needs for the Sabbath.115 One may not, however, save [food] on the Sabbath for Yom Kippur. Needless to say, one may not [save food on the Sabbath] for a holiday, nor may one save on one Sabbath for the following Sabbath.
Which garments may one save? One may put on all the clothes one can wear and wrap oneself in all the cloaks one can and remove them.116 [Similarly,] one may tell others, "Come and save for yourselves." Every individual [who desires] may put on all the clothes he can wear and wrap himself in all the cloaks he can and remove them. The clothes he saves belong to him, like the food [described above], for he is acquiring an ownerless object.117
כה
הציל פת נקיה אינו חוזר ומציל פת שאינה נקיה. אבל אם הציל פת שאינה נקיה חוזר ומציל פת נקיה. ומציל ביום הכפורים מה שהוא צריך לשבת אם היה יום הכפורים בערב שבת אבל אינו מציל בשבת ליום הכפורים. ואין צריך לומר ליום טוב. ולא משבת זו לשבת הבאה. ומה שהוא מציל ללבוש לובש כל מה שהוא יכול ללבוש ועוטף כל מה שהוא יכול לעטוף ומוציא ואומר לאחרים בואו והצילו לכם. וכל אחד ואחד לובש ומתעטף בכליו ומוציא. והרי הוא שלו כמו המאכל שהרי מן ההפקר הן זוכין:
26
It is permitted to save118 all sacred writings119 that are found in one courtyard [by transferring them] to another courtyard in the same lane, even though an eruv was not made, provided the lane has three walls and a pole [in the place of the fourth wall].120
[The above leniencies apply] provided that the [sacred writings] are written in the Assyrian script121 and in Hebrew.122 If, by contrast, they are written in any other language or using any other script, we should not save them even if there is an eruv.123[Indeed,] even during the week, we are forbidden to read124 from such texts. Rather, they should be left in an open place125 where they will become spoiled as a matter of course.
כו
מותר להציל כל כתבי הקדש שיש בחצר לחצר אחרת שבאותו המבוי ואע"פ שלא עירבו. ובלבד שיהיה למבוי שלש מחיצות ולחי אחד. והוא שיהיו כתובין אשורית ובלשון הקדש אבל אם היה כתובין בכל לשון או בכתב אחר אין מצילין אותן אפילו היה שם עירוב. ובחול אסור לקרות בהם אלא מניחן במקום התורף והן מתאבדין מאליהן:
27
Even if [these sacred texts] are written with other tints or with red ink,126 or even if the writing is not permanent, since they are written in the Assyrian script and in Hebrew, we should save them.
The blank portions of parchment for scrolls,127 whether above or below the writing, between one passage and another, between one column and another, or at the beginning and at the conclusion of a Torah scroll, should not be saved.128
Tables of blessings129 and amulets, even if they contain the letters of [God's] name and many Torah verses, should not be saved from a fire.130
כז
היו כתובין בסם ובסיקרא אף על פי שאינו כתב של קיימא הואיל והן כתובין אשורית ובלשון קדש מצילין אותן. גליון של ספרים שלמעלה ושלמטה ושבין פרשה לפרשה ושבין דף לדף ושבתחלת הספר ושבסוף הספר אין מצילין אותן. הברכות והקמיעין אף על פי שיש בהן אותיות של שם ומעניינות הרבה של תורה אין מצילין אותן מפני הדליקה:
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We should save from fire a [worn] Torah scroll that has a total of 85 letters131 from complete words,132 even if this includes [words like] יגר שהדותא.133 Similarly, [we should save a scroll] that contains a passage that has fewer than 85 letters if it contains God's name - e.g., ויהי בנסוע הארון.134
We may save the scroll's carrying case with the scroll135 and the carrying case of tefillin with tefillin, even if the carrying case contains money.136
כח
ספר תורה שיש בו ללקט שמונים וחמש אותיות מתוך תיבות שלימות ואפילו בכללן יגר שהדותא. וכן אם היתה בה פרשה שאין בה שמונים וחמש אותיות ויש בה הזכרות כגון ויהי בנסוע הארון. מצילין אותן מפני הדליקה. ומצילין תיק הספר עם הספר ותיק תפילין עם התפילין אף על פי שיש בתוכן מעות
FOOTNOTES
1.See Chapter 10, Halachah 16. Note, however, Halachah 14 of that chapter, which mentions making a hole in a chicken coop in connection with the forbidden labor of building.
2.Accordingly, many authorities forbid opening cans or bags on the Sabbath. The more lenient opinions, which allow this, base themselves on the concept that after the contents are removed from the can or bag, it is no longer considered a useful article. Alternatively, these opinions maintain that the can is considered to be a utensil even before it is opened, and the cover is not at all significant.
3.The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 314:1) states that this restriction applies only when the person has the intent to widen the hole. If he does not have this intent, there is no prohibition. As an example, that text mentions a knife inserted into a barrel, even though the hole may be widened when the knife is removed; since that is not one's intent, there is no prohibition involved. The Ramah emphasizes, however, that this leniency applies only when it is not a certainty (פסיק רישא) that the hole will be opened further.
4.The Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.:3) quotes the opinion of the Kolbo, which states that this leniency applies only regarding barrels of earthenware. A hole made in a wooden barrel which is tightly plugged may not be opened.
5.Shabbat 146a mentions three levels where holes might be made: a) a hole above the level of the wine. This is intended merely to protect the fragrance of the wine.
b) a hole in the middle of the wine. Since the wine is not entirely above the hole, it needed not be fastened so tightly. This is the subject of the present clause.
c) a hole below the dregs. This is the subject of the following clause.
6.Since the entire weight of the wine rests on this hole, it must be fastened very tightly. Accordingly, opening it is considered tantamount to opening a new hole.
7.Barrels would be sealed closed with clay that was spread out and hardened at their opening.
8.Opening the seal in this irregular manner clearly indicates that one did not intend to fashion an opening. An opening is generally not located on the top of a cask (Shulchan Aruch, loc. cit.:6).
9.A careful reading of the Rambam's wording indicates the need for this bracketed addition (Maggid Mishneh). Significantly, this represents a reversal of the Rambam's approach in his Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 22:3), where he mentions making a hole in the side of the barrel.
10.The Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.:1) states that it is forbidden to break a complete barrel. Just as one is liable for performing the forbidden labor of building when fashioning a vessel, one is liable for performing the forbidden labor of demolishing when destroying one. Although one is not liable unless one breaks the barrel as a constructive act, even when one's intent is destructive, doing so is forbidden by Rabbinic decree (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 314:1; Mishnah Berurah 314:7). There are, however, later authorities who follow the Rambam's ruling, which permits destroying a utensil if one does not fashion it into a different utensil in the process.
11.Were one to make a carefully perforated hole, one would be fashioning it into a utensil (Rashi, Shabbat 146a).
12.Although a sword may not usually be carried on the Sabbath, it may be handled to perform a task that is permitted (Mishnah Berurah 314:24).
13.The Mishnah Berurah 314:25 states that this leniency applies only when guests are present.
14.This is also a restriction imposed, lest one complete the construction of a utensil.
15.See Halachah 11 of this chapter and also Chapter 11, Halachah 6.
16.See Chapter 22, Halachah 15.
17.Significantly, the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 314:11) follows the opinion of Rabbenu Asher and others, who maintain that one is allowed to close a barrel with a stone or a piece of wood, provided that one does not close it when wine is flowing out. The later authorities (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 314:20; Mishnah Berurah 314:47), however, differ, and rule that the Rambam's decision should be followed.
18.Based on Shabbat 139b, many other authorities, including the Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.), grant this leniency only to a Torah Sage, but not to a common person. Moreover, since Torah Sages of the caliber of those of the Talmudic era do not exist at present, there are authorities who do not permit this leniency at all in the present era.
19.See Chapter 10, Halachah 16.
20.See the Hagahot Maimoniot, which states that one may knock on a door, because this is not a musical tone. Although there are stringent opinions, common practice is to follow the more lenient view.
21.Our translation is taken from the Mishnah Berurah 339:9. (See also the Be'ur Halachah, which mentions that some versions of the Mishneh Torah omit the Hebrew word או. According to this version, the meaning would be "to bang rhythmically on a board as singers do.")
22.Note the Mishnah Berurah (ibid.), which cites authorities who interpret the phrase "rhythmically as singers do" as an exclusion. These opinions maintain that snapping one's fingers to catch a colleague's attention is not forbidden. Nevertheless, it is common practice to act stringently and not to snap one's fingers at all.
23.Note the Ramah (Orach Chayim 339:3), who states that it is customary to allow clapping one's hands and dancing on the Sabbath and holidays. The rationale for this leniency is that today most people are not able to repair a musical instrument, and thus the rationale for our Sages' decree is no longer applicable.
It must, however, be noted that this leniency is granted only with regard to dancing and clapping hands, not playing drums or performing any of the activities mentioned in the previous halachah. Even dancing and clapping hands is allowed only in rejoicing associated with a mitzvah (Mishnah Berurah 339:10).
24.Although bathing is permitted, as above (Chapter 22, Halachah 20), swimming is not.
25.If the pool is located in the public domain, it is forbidden to swim within it for another reason: It is possible that one will spray water for more than four cubits (Mishnah Berurah 339:4).
26.As the Rambam continues to mention, the reed serves as a spigot through which water flowing from a cask can be directed.
27.Opened at the ends so that the wine can flow through it like a pipe.
28.Measured and trimmed to fit the barrel. This leniency is granted even if this reed has never been used for this purpose before (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 314:5).
29.In contrast to the reed mentioned above, which must merely be inserted into the barrel, it is necessary to fold the leaf and adjust it so that the wine will flow through (Shulchan Aruch, loc. cit.).
30.Rabbenu Asher and others follow the opinion of other Sages (Shabbat 146b), who explain that the reason for this decree is concern that one might pick a leaf on the Sabbath to use for this purpose. According to that opinion, if before the commencement of the Sabbath one has available many leaves that have been picked, one may use them for this purpose.
In the Kessef Mishneh, Rav Yosef Karo defends the Rambam's ruling, and he quotes it in the Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.). The Ramah, however, quotes Rabbenu Asher's view.
31.The Maggid Mishneh and others cite Beitzah 4:4, which states that these items were used as makeshift frying pans. (Note the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah and Hilchot Sh'vitat Yom Tov 4:8.) Rav Kapach, however, raises the question: Since frying is forbidden on the Sabbath, of what use would these articles be?
32.A white powder, referred to as alum or tartar which serves as a natural polish.
33.Rashi (Shabbat 50a) and other commentaries differ and state that the prohibition stems from the forbidden labor of removing hair.
34.See Shulchan Aruch HaRav 323:11 and the Mishnah Berurah 323:38, which mention several restrictions regarding the use of sand for this purpose.
35.In his Commentary on the Mishnah (Keilim 2:1), the Rambam describes neter as a blue pumice stone used for detergent purposes. (See also Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah 9:37.) It must noted that sodium is called natrium in Latin. This has led some to think that the intent is sodium bicarbonate, a natural cleanser.
36.The Ra'avad differs with the Rambam concerning the rationale for this restriction, explaining that it is not associated with the forbidden labor of dealing the final blow. Instead, it is prohibited so that one does not prepare on the Sabbath for a weekday. This opinion is also quoted by Shulchan Aruch HaRav 323:6.
37.The intent is that one may wash only those utensils that one intends to use again. Even when a person will serve another meal on the Sabbath, if he is not intending to use certain utensils, he may not wash them. One may, however, wash utensils on Friday night, even though one does not intend to use them until Saturday afternoon (Mishnah Berurah 323:27-28).
38.I.e., one may wash the glasses at any time, because it may be assumed that one will desire to drink later. If, however, a person knows that he will not drink again on the Sabbath, it is forbidden for him to wash pitchers and glasses as well (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 323:6; Mishnah Berurah 323:29).
39.Note, however, the Magen Avraham 302:6, who states that one may make a bed if the disorder in the room makes one extremely uncomfortable.
40.I.e., since the utensil was unfit for use before it was immersed, immersing it is equivalent to repairing it (Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah, Beitzah 2:2; compare to Hilchot Sh'vitat Yom Tov 4:17). Based on Beitzah 18a, Rabbenu Yitzchak Alfasi and Rabbenu Asher offer other rationales for this prohibition.
Note the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 323:7), which mentions a difference of opinion among the Rabbis whether it is permitted on the Sabbath to immerse a vessel that one has purchased from gentiles. The Maggid Mishneh states that according to the Rambam, this would be forbidden. Accordingly, the Pri Megadim questions why the Shulchan Aruch ignores the Rambam's ruling. The Be'ur Halachah, however, differentiates between the immersion of vessels purchased from a gentile and the immersion of impure vessels.
41.The Mishneh Torah also contains laws that will be relevant when the Temple is rebuilt, and the observance of all the laws of ritual impurity will be restored. At present this halachah is relevant in the following contexts: Women are permitted to immerse themselves in the mikveh on Friday night (with certain restrictions) and men are allowed to immerse themselves on the Sabbath for the sake of holiness (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 326:7; Mishnah Berurah 326:24). Care, however, must be taken when toweling oneself dry not to squeeze water from the towel.
Originally, the license to immerse oneself in the mikveh on the Sabbath was given before it was customary to heat mikvaot. At present, the leniency is continued in most communities, even when the mikveh has been heated.
42.This activity is necessary as part of the purification process for a person who became impure because of contact with a human corpse. Rashi (Pesachim 65b) explains that this is forbidden because it is obvious that one's intent is to purify oneself. Rav Kapach, however, points to Pesachim 69a, which states that the prohibition was instituted lest one carry in the public domain.
43.In his Commentary on the Mishnah (Beitzah 2:2), the Rambam explains that if the utensil contracted ritual impurity, its immersion would be forbidden, since one would be purifying not only the water it contains, but also the utensil itself.
44.See Hilchot Keilim 1:6.
45.The Ra'avad mentions that terumah may not be separated even if one's intent is to give it to the priest to use on the Sabbath itself.
46.See Halachah 14, where the Rambam offers another reason for this same prohibition.
47.The Merkevet HaMishneh notes that the Rambam does not mention Rabbinic prohibitions in connection with the forbidden labors of hunting, slaughtering, and skinning. The commentaries do note, however, that in Chapter 10 the Rambam mentions Rabbinic prohibitions in connection with hunting, and in Chapter 11 Rabbinic prohibitions in connection with slaughtering.
48.See Chapter 11, Halachot 5-6.
49.As mentioned in the notes on Chapter 21, Halachah 23, the Ramah (Orach Chayim 327:1) writes that at present, it is not common for healthy people to apply oil to themselves. Therefore, it is forbidden to apply any type of oil to oneself on the Sabbath for therapeutic purposes.
50.See Chapter 22, Halachah 18, and notes.
51.Our translation is taken from the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (Keilim 26:5). Obviously, this bed-cover is made of leather. The Maggid Mishneh offers a different interpretation.
52.Note, however, the Mishnah Berurah 327:12, which cites opinions that prohibit applying oil to used leather.
53.See Chapter 11, Halachah 6.
54.See Halachah 3, which prohibits closing a hole in connection with the forbidden labors of dealing the final blow or of building.
55.See Chapter 11, Halachah 9.
56.It must be emphasized that according to the text of Shabbat 94b, it would appear that applying eye-paint is associated with the forbidden labor of dyeing. Nevertheless, it would appear that the Rambam and many other Rishonim had a different version of the text, upon which he based his ruling in this halachah.
57.See the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 323), which mentions several leniencies and restrictions regarding the acquisition of foodstuffs on the Sabbath.
58.One may, however, give a present to a colleague. (See the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah, Sukkah 3:11.)
59.Note, however, Hilchot Eruvin 2:12, which allows one to rent a gentile's property on the Sabbath in order to complete an eruv.
60.The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 307:2) offers another rationale for the restriction against hiring workers, the prohibitions stemming from Isaiah 58:13, "If you refrain... from [ordinary] speech" - i.e., that our speech on the Sabbath be distinguished from our speech during the week. The Rambam mentions prohibitions of this nature in Chapter 24.
61.See related matters in Chapter 6.
62.The difference between borrowing such commodities and lending objects is that when one borrows an object, one intends to return the same object. When one borrows a commodity, by contrast, one intends to use it and return a different one. Thus, it bears a far greater resemblance to a loan.
63.Rabbenu Yitzchak Alfasi explains that "Give me as a loan" implies that the loan will be for an extended period. Hence, it is more likely that one will write it down.
The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 307:11) notes that in languages other than Hebrew, the difference between offering a loan and lending appears as one of semantics. Rather than say "Lend me" or "Give me as a loan," one should say merely "Give me."
64.The Shulchan Aruch and the Ramah (Orach Chayim 323) follow a slightly more lenient approach and allow certain products to be sold by number and in vessels from which a measure can be obtained.
65.Compare to similar laws mentioned in Hilchot Sh'vitat Yom Tov 4:19-24.
66.The ceremony through which a childless widow frees her brother-in-law from the obligation of yibbum. (See the following note and Deuteronomy 25:7-10.)
67.This refers to the rite in which the brother-in-law of a childless widow marries her in order to perpetuate the name of her dead husband. (See Deuteronomy 25:5-6.)
68.According to Torah law, marriage is a two-staged process, including erusin (betrothal) - when a bond between a husband and wife is established, but the two still live separately - and nisuin (marriage) - when the couple begin their lives together.
Betrothal is initiated by the act of kiddushin. At present, this is effected by the groom's giving the wedding ring to his wife. It must be added that it is also forbidden to carry out nisuin on the Sabbath, but for a different reason: lest one violate the Sabbath laws when preparing for the wedding feast. (See Hilchot Ishut 10:14.)
69.When quoting this law, the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 339:4) states that divorce proceedings may not generally be carried out on the Sabbath, even if the bill of divorce was written beforehand.
70.This refers to the dedication of property to the Temple treasury or the consecration of an animal to be offered as a sacrifice.
71.See Leviticus 27:1-27.
72.See Leviticus 27:28-29.
73.See Halachah 9, where this reason is mentioned in connection with this prohibition.
74.See Leviticus 27:32.
75.For this was the common practice, as the Rambam mentions in Hilchot Bechorot 7:1. As mentioned in Chapter 11, Halachah 17, making a mark is considered a derivative of the forbidden labor of writing. Rabbenu Chanan'el, by contrast, explains that the prohibition against making this mark stems from the forbidden labor of dyeing.
Rav Moshe HaCohen of Lunil notes that, in contrast to produce, the Rambam does not mention the prohibition against tithing animals in connection with the forbidden labor of dealing the final blow. Unlike produce, according to Torah law, one is allowed to partake of meat from an animal even if it has not been tithed. Although there is a Rabbinic prohibition against partaking of such meat, tithing a herd is not considered as making an object fit for use.
76.When the fourteenth of Nisan falls on the Sabbath.
77.Since these offerings are associated with a fixed time, they will stand out distinctly in one's mind and will not cause one to forget the Sabbath prohibitions (Shabbat 148b, Hilchot Korban Pesach 1:19).
78.The laws associated with sprinkling the water that has been mixed with the ashes of the red heifer are described in Numbers 19:11-21.
79.Note the Lechem Mishneh (in the gloss on Hilchot Sh'vitat Yom Tov 6:10), which states that this prohibition applies even when one has no other produce available. See also Sha'ar HaMelech, which questions whether the prohibition applies to others besides the person who violated the prohibition. Note also Chapter 3, Halachah 9, and Chapter 6, Halachah 23.
80.The participants in the transaction are, however, given stripes for rebelliousness, the prohibition instituted for the violation of a Rabbinic prohibition (Hilchot Mechirah 30:7).
81.Although the Rabbis forbade partaking of such produce before tithing it, they considered this as merely a safeguard, for the majority of the common people did separate the tithes. Therefore, one is not considered to be making an article fit for use to the same extent as when one separates tithes from produce that has surely not been tithed (Rav Ovadiah of Bertinoro, Shabbat 2:7). This law is also mentioned in Chapter 24, Halachah 10.
82.Produce purchased from a common person, which we are unsure whether or not it has been tithed.
83.But did not separate these portions (Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah, D'mai 4:5).
84.The tenth of the tithe, which the Levites were required to give to the priests.
85.Which was given instead of the second tithe in the third and sixth years of the seven-year cycle.
86.The bracketed additions are based on the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (loc. cit.). There the Rambam emphasizes that the prohibition centers on giving the designated portions. This is borne out by his rulings in Hilchot Ma'aser 9:8-11, where he mentions leniencies in regard to the separation of the designated portions on the Sabbath if one makes a condition before the commencement of the Sabbath.
87.If he does not inform them, it is as if he were using the designated gifts for his own personal purposes (Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah, loc. cit.).
88.This is forbidden even during the week, because the Rabbis deemed gambling to be theft, and also because this reflects conduct that does not contribute to the stability of society (Hilchot Gezeilah 6:7,11).
89.But not with outsiders, as reflected in the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 23:2) and his rulings in Hilchot Sh'vitat Yom Tov 4:20.
90.In the Kessef Mishneh and in the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 322:6), Rav Yosef Karo follows the interpretation of Shabbat 148b by Rabbenu Yitzchak Alfasi and Rabbenu Asher, and forbids casting lots, even among one's own household, unless the portions are equal.
91.See, however, Chapter 24, Halachah 4, which states that one should minimize one's involvement in such idle matters on the Sabbath. Indeed, as is evident from the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (Avot 1:16) and Hilchot De'ot 2:4, the Rambam frowns on such conversation during the week as well. To quote Hilchot Gezeilah 6:11: "It is not for a person to spend any of his days involved in anything other than the words of wisdom and the matters that lead to the settlement of the world."
92.The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 307:13) renders the Hebrew שטרי הדיוטות as "account sheets." Rashi (Shabbat 149a) interprets this as also referring to social correspondence. Based on the Rambam's commentary on the Mishnah (Shabbat 23:2), the Maggid Mishneh states that the Rambam follows Rashi's view.
[The Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.:14) permits reading a social letter on the Sabbath only if one is unaware of its contents.]
93.Erasing is one of the categories of forbidden labor, as the Rambam explains in Chapter 11, Halachah 9. Rabbenu Asher (in his gloss to Shabbat 149b) differs and explains that the restriction mentioned stems from the prohibitions derived from Isaiah 58:13, which distinguish between one's conduct on the Sabbath and one's involvement in mundane, weekday concerns.
94.Regarding this ruling, the Rambam writes (Commentary on the Mishnah, loc. cit.), "On the Sabbath, it is forbidden to read anything other than the words of prophecy and their explanations [i.e., the Oral Law]. Among the matters excluded are [works of secular] wisdom and science."
95.Rashi (Shabbat 149a) and the Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.:15) interpret this as referring to descriptions written under works of art. Others explain that this refers to images of false deities. (In the Talmudic period, these two interpretations could easily be interrelated, because the subject matter of most gentile art was the false deities they worshiped.)
96.I.e., the Holy Writings, in contrast to the Torah and the prophets. This interpretation is obvious from the Rambam's Commentary to the Mishnah (Shabbat 17:1). Rashi (Shabbat 115a) mentions other opinions which forbid reading the works of the prophets as well.
97.See Chapter 30, Halachah 10, where the Rambam describes the attendance at the House of Study on the Sabbath.
98.The Maggid Mishneh states that the wording used by the Rambam indicates that a person in an adjoining courtyard where the fire has not yet caught may transfer all his property to a further removed courtyard if an eruv has been made. This concept is also mentioned in the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 334:1).
99.The Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.:11) mentions a further leniency: One may transfer property from a house to an adjoining house or to another courtyard that one owns. There is, however, a difference of opinion among the Rabbis whether this leniency is accepted or not.
100.Another example of a leniency granted because of this principle is found in Chapter 6, Halachah 22.
101.The particular laws stemming from this principle are described in Halachot 21-25.
102.As examples, the Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.:7) mentions cups and pitchers. From the Shulchan Aruch HaRav 334:8 and the Mishnah Berurah 334:17, it would appear that permission is granted only to save utensils one needs for eating, but not other articles - e.g., pillows and blankets - that might be required on the Sabbath.
103.See Halachah 25.
104.This restriction applies even according to the authorities who maintain that the prohibition against carrying in a lane is Rabbinic in origin. Shulchan Aruch HaRav 334:10 and the Mishnah Berurah 334:26 mention that these restrictions do not apply with regard to saving clothes. Since one must wear them as garments, one may take them out to the public domain as well.
105.One may save enough for three meals for every member of his household. Regardless of whether a person eats a large amount or a small amount, a standard measure - and only that standard measure - of food may be saved for him (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 334:5).
106.This indicates that one may save several different containers containing different types of food.
107.The bracketed additions are made on the basis of Shulchan Aruch HaRav 334:6 and the Mishnah Berurah 334:16, which emphasize that, even though one may pour the contents of several containers into a garment, one must empty the containers. It is forbidden to place the containers themselves in a garment and remove them.
108.I.e., even though the person who owns the property may not save more than his household needs, all of his food stores need not be left to the flames. Other people may be invited to save for themselves.
109.Since our Sages forbade the person from saving it, he despairs of ever recovering it and relinquishes his ownership.
The above applies only when the person makes an explicit statement inviting others to save the property. If he does not issue such an invitation, we cannot assume that he has relinquished ownership. Although he is forbidden from saving more himself, others are not allowed to take for themselves, for the owner may yet hope to find friends who will save the food and return it to him at no cost (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 334:7; Mishnah Berurah 334:22).
110.In his Commentary on the Mishnah [Shabbat 16:3 (based on Shabbat 120a)], the Rambam describes this as "God-fearing conduct," for it reflects an unwillingness to benefit from property that is not one's own. In this instance, this is particularly true, for the owner does not willingly abandon ownership of his property.
111.It is, however, pious conduct not to accept payment (Shabbat, loc. cit.).
112.The Maggid Mishneh and others draw attention to the Rambam's statements at the conclusion of Chapter 6, which forbid taking payment even for activities that are permitted on the Sabbath unless the wage is paid for a larger span of time. Rav David Arameah explains that the prohibition against taking payment for one's Sabbath activities is Rabbinic in origin. In this instance, because of the positive nature of the activity involved, the Sages did not impose any restrictions.
Shulchan Aruch HaRav (loc. cit.) explains that the article rightfully belongs to the person who saved it. Although he relinquishes ownership in favor of his original owner, he does not relinquish ownership of that portion of the article that is equivalent to his wage. What he is receiving from the owner is, in fact, payment for property that he was entitled to take possession of.
113.Since one is required to partake of the finest foods on the Sabbath, one is permitted to return and take the loaf baked with fine flour. It is possible to explain that because of the confusion caused by the fire, one forgot to take the better loaf originally.
The Rabbis explained that one may act with guile in this matter and, at the outset, take a loaf of lesser quality so that one can return and take a better loaf afterwards. Since one is not even transgressing a Rabbinic prohibition and will always be able to excuse oneself afterwards that this choice was due to confusion, no restrictions were imposed.
This leads to a further leniency. One may save, for example, a meal of fish, and then return and save a meal of meat, excusing oneself saying, "At first, I desired to partake of the fish. Afterwards, my appetite changed and I preferred the meat" (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 334:3; Mishnah Berurah 334:12).
114.According to the fixed calendar we follow at present, Yom Kippur will not fall on either a Friday or a Sunday. This law, as many of the other laws in the Mishneh Torah, will apply only after the coming of the Redemption.
115.If Yom Kippur falls on Thursday and one knows that it will be impossible to prepare one's Sabbath needs on Friday, one is permitted to save food on Yom Kippur for the Sabbath (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 334:4; Mishnah Berurah 334:13). Similarly, one may save food on Yom Kippur for the meal following the fast, regardless of the day of week (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 334:4).
116.It appears that, according to the Rambam, one may not return and save other clothes. This is the subject of a difference of opinion among the Sages in the Mishnah (Shabbat 16:4). Rabbi Yosse maintains that one may return and put on a second set of clothes. Since one is not carrying the garments, but wearing them, we rule more leniently than regarding foodstuffs. This ruling is followed by the Rashba and the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 334:8).
117.Since our Sages forbade a person from saving any more clothes, we assume that he despaired of recovering any more of his property. As mentioned above, many authorities accept this rationale only when the person actually invites others to save the clothes.
118.Although the Rambam is speaking about saving sacred texts from fire, the same laws apply to another factor - e.g., a flood - that might cause their ruin (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 334:19).
119.This term refers to the books of the Bible.
There is somewhat of a difficulty with the Rambam's ruling. He is quoting the Mishnah (Shabbat 16:1). Nevertheless, the teachings of the Mishnah were appropriate in the beginning of the Talmudic era, when it was only the Written Law and not the Oral Law that was written down. The composition of the Mishnah marked a turning point in Jewish history, and from that point onward, it was permitted to write down the teachings of the Oral Law. (See the Rambam's Introduction to the Mishneh Torah.) Texts containing such teachings are also considered sacred articles and may be saved from a fire, just like the books of the Bible (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 334:12; Mishnah Berurah 334:31). Since the Rambam wrote the Mishneh Torah after it became permitted to write down the Oral Law, seemingly, it would have been appropriate for him to refer to texts of the Oral Law as well.
120.According to the Rambam, such an lane is considered a private domain according to Torah law, and the prohibition against carrying within it is only Rabbinic in origin (Chapter 17, Halachah 2). Accordingly, this restriction is relaxed in order to save the sacred articles. Although some authorities differ with the Rambam regarding the above halachah, they also require an lane to have three walls and a pole in this instance (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 334:17; Mishnah Berurah 334:48).
121.I.e., the script in which tefillin, mezuzot, and Torah scrolls are written. (See Sanhedrin 22a; the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah, Yadayim 4:5; and the Moznaim Mishneh Torah series, Hilchot Tefillin 1:19.)
122.I.e., and not a transliteration of other languages.
123.As explained above, the Rambam's ruling applied in the Talmudic period, before it became acceptable to write the Oral Law. Once that was permitted, translations of the Bible were also permitted, and the same laws apply to them. Similarly, siddurim and other similar texts may be saved.
124.As mentioned above, after permission was granted to write the Oral Law, this prohibition no longer applies.
125.Our translation is based on Rashi (Shabbat 115a) and the Ramah (Orach Chayim 334:12).
126.Which are not acceptable for writing a Torah scroll (Hilchot Tefillin 1:5).
127.See Hilchot Sefer Torah, Chapters 8 and 9, which mention how much empty parchment must be left for each of the situations mentioned by the Rambam.
128.This refers to an instance where these blank portions of parchment had been cut from the Torah scroll. When a portion of a scroll does not contain 85 letters (see the following halachah), it is no longer considered to be sacred articles (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 334:20; Mishnah Berurah 334:50). Surely this applies to the margins of the scroll that the Rambam is referring to in this halachah.
129.I.e., a text similar to our siddurim (Rashi, Shabbat 115b).
130.As mentioned above, after permission was granted to write the Oral Law, siddurim were also accorded the status of sacred articles (Shulchan Aruch, loc. cit.:12).
Regarding amulets containing verses, there is a difference of opinion among the Rabbis. The Tur (Orach Chayim 334) differs with the Rambam and maintains that in the present age, such amulets may be saved. Even though most of the later authorities follow the Rambam's ruling, the Pri Megadim suggests saving amulets with verses that contain God's name.
131.The expression "a total" implies that the letters need not be in the same word, but may be scattered throughout the scroll (Rashi, Shabbat 115b).
In certain contexts, the passage ויהי בנסוע הארון is considered a separate book of the Torah. (See Rashi's commentary on the verse.) Since that passage contains 85 letters, any parchment with 85 letters can be considered a scroll.
132.I.e., the scroll may contain more letters, but if the letters are in words that are partially torn or rubbed out, they are not included in this sum.
133.I.e., words whose origin is not Hebrew.
134.The commentaries question the Rambam's statements, since as stated above, the passage ויהי בנסוע הארון contains 85 letters. See also the Shulchan Aruch HaRav 334:15 which states that if a scroll contains God's name, it should be saved even though it contains less than 85 letters.
135.I.e., the carrying case is considered as subordinate to the scroll. Therefore, it is not considered an independent entity, but is rather governed by the more lenient laws that govern the Torah scroll.
136.lthough the money is muktzeh, there is no need to shake it from the carrying case, and it may be taken to the same place as the tefillin. This leniency was granted so that a person would not be required to delay in saving the property that he was entitled to save (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 334:18).
Hayom Yom:• English Text | Video ClassThursday, Cheshvan 20, 5778 · 09 November 2017
"Today's Day"
Thursday, Cheshvan 20, 5704
Torah lessons: Chumash: Chayei Sara, Chamishi with Rashi.
Tehillim: 97-103.
Tanya: Now, the Cabbalists (p. 579) ...neshamah of man. (p. 581).
Birth of R. Shalom Dovber in the year which the Tzemach Tzedek termed Kitra1 ("crown") - 5621 (1860). He was named for the Mitteler Rebbe2 and half the name of the Tzemach Tzedek's father.3
Every year my father delivered a maamar on his birthday, but he did so secretly except when it coincided with Shabbat. On his last birthday here on earth4 he said the maamar Natata lirei'echa neiss...5 When he concluded he said to me, "on one's birthday he should say Chassidus. May G-d give you a gift that you may say Chassidus on your birthday, but it should be with kindness and mercy." It took seven years for this to happen.6
FOOTNOTES
1.Kitra is numerically 5621.
2.R. Dovber.
3.R. Shalom Shachna.
4.1919.
5.Tehillim 60:6.
6.The Festival of Liberation of the previous Rebbe (from Soviet imprisonment for his spreading of Torah and Judaism) occurred on his birthday, the 12th of Tamuz, in the year 5687 (1927) - during his seventh year as Rebbe. He succeeded to the leadership in 5680 (1920) upon his father's demise.
Daily Thought:
The Giving Relationship
In a home, in a relationship, in any situation where people work together, each side has to give.
What you give is not so important. How you give is.
You have to want to give. (From a letter, 5732 (1972), printed in Ohr ha-Bayit, p. 37. See also Hitkashrut no. 70.)
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