Eruvin 34a

עירובין ל״ד ע״א

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Topic

Does 'since he could' (הואיל) work for an עירוב? The גמרא discusses bringing the עירוב to its place, an עירוב in a cupboard that could be tilted, and an עירוב placed in a deep pit.

Overview

On the previous amud, רבי ירמיה argued 'since he could' (הואיל): since a person could tilt a basket, it counts as if he did. The גמרא asks why that logic does not mean a person need not actually bring his עירוב to its place. רבי זירא answers that requiring him to bring it is a גזירה because of a יום טוב that falls right after שבת, when the עירוב truly cannot be carried there. Next, a ברייתא rules that an עירוב in a cupboard (מגדל) below ten טפחים is invalid for someone resting on top of it. The גמרא asks why he cannot simply tilt the cupboard so that its top comes down within ten. רבי ירמיה answers that the cupboard is nailed down. רבא answers that it is a very tall cupboard, so even a slight tilt would push its top beyond four אמות. When asked why he does not just use a window and a rope, the גמרא says the case has neither. Finally, the גמרא turns to the משנה's case of an עירוב in a deep pit and begins asking where the pit is located, a discussion that continues on the next amud.

Opening lines

The steps (10)

1. ChallengeWhy not say it counts as if he brought the עירוב?
2. ResolutionA גזירה because of יום טוב right after שבת
3. ChallengeA ברייתא about an עירוב in a wall or a cupboard
4. ChallengeWhy not say he could tilt the cupboard?
5. ResolutionThe cupboard is nailed down
6. Resolutionרבא: The cupboard is very tall, so tilting it moves its top beyond four אמות
7. ChallengeWhy not pull the עירוב out with a rope through a window?
8. ResolutionThere is no window and no rope
9. StatementQuoting the משנה: an עירוב placed in a deep pit
10. QuestionWhere is this pit located?