Eruvin 23b

עירובין כ״ג ע״ב

Learn Eruvin 23b step by step: Aramaic beside English, every question, answer and proof colour-coded.

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Topic

The size and shape rules for carrying in an enclosed garden or קרפף, and how sowing affects a קרפף fenced for living

Overview

The גמרא continues explaining the משנה about carrying on שבת in a fenced garden or קרפף. First it shows that רבי עקיבא and the תנא קמא differ by a tiny amount of area. It then defines בית סאתים as the size of the חצר המשכן and learns from a פסוק that this area may be squared off to about 70 by 70 אמות. Next it reconciles two versions of רבי אליעזר's view and shows how he still differs from רבי יוסי. שמואל is reported as ruling like both רבי יוסי and רבי עקיבא, and the גמרא explains that the הלכה takes both leniencies. A ברייתא then teaches that a large קרפף fenced for living becomes forbidden if most of it is sown, but not if most of it is planted with trees. רב הונא בריה דרב יהושע limits this to a sown part bigger than בית סאתים. The גמרא links his view to רבי שמעון and then begins to reject that link, an argument that finishes on the next amud.

Opening lines

The steps (22)

1. Challengeרבי עקיבא seems identical to the first opinion
2. ResolutionThey differ by a tiny amount
3. StatementA בית סאתים equals the courtyard of the Mishkan
4. QuestionWhat is the source for this measurement?
5. Responseרב יהודה derives the square shape from the verse about the courtyard
6. QuestionWhat does the verse plainly mean?
7. Responseאביי explains the layout of the משכן inside its courtyard
8. StatementQuoting רבי אליעזר's view in the משנה
9. ChallengeA ברייתא quotes רבי אליעזר differently
10. ResolutionThe משנה also means 'more than double'
11. ChallengeThen רבי אליעזר says the same as רבי יוסי
12. ResolutionThe difference: a square measured with its diagonal
13. StatementTwo reports of שמואל's ruling
14. ResolutionBoth rulings are lenient
15. ResolutionWhy the ruling like רבי עקיבא was needed
16. ConclusionWhy the ruling like רבי יוסי was needed
17. StatementA large enclosure that is mostly sown becomes like a garden
18. StatementA large enclosure that is mostly planted with trees stays like a courtyard
19. StatementThe sown part forbids carrying only if it is bigger than בית סאתים
20. ResponseWhose view is רב הונא following? רבי שמעון
21. Proofרבי שמעון: roofs, courtyards and enclosures are one domain
22. RejectionEven רבי שמעון may treat the small unsown part as secondary to the sown majority