Shabbos 3a

שבת ג׳ ע״א

Shabbat 3a

Learn Shabbos 3a step by step: Aramaic beside English, every question, answer and proof colour-coded.

Open Shabbos 3a in Gemara Clarity

Topic

Why the משנה counts eight carrying cases, why two partners in one מלאכה are exempt, and whether moving a loaded body counts as עקירה

Overview

The גמרא continues רב מתנא's challenge: the משנה lists eight cases of carrying (יציאות השבת), but there seem to be twelve. Skipping cases that are פטור ומותר explains part of the gap, but the פטור אבל אסור cases still seem to need counting. Along the way, the גמרא asks whether 'exempt and permitted' even exists on שבת, given שמואל's rule. It answers that שמואל meant only cases where a real action is done. The final answer on the count is that the משנה only lists exempt acts that could lead to a חטאת, so lifting counts and putting down alone does not. Next, the גמרא asks how two partners who split one מלאכה can both be exempt, and רבי learns from the word "בעשותה" that only one who does the whole act alone is liable. Finally, רבי rules for רב that a person loaded with food who walks out is חייב, because his body rests in one place, unlike a hand.

Opening lines

The steps (11)

1. ChallengeA partial defense, but the latter section is still difficult
2. ChallengeSide question: does 'exempt and permitted' even exist on שבת?
3. Resolutionשמואל only meant cases where a real action is done
4. ChallengeBack to the count: there are still twelve
5. ResolutionThe משנה counts only exempt acts that could lead to a sin-offering
6. ChallengeHow can both partners be exempt?
7. ResolutionThe verse requires one person to do the whole act
8. ProofSupport from the group of Sages
9. QuestionA person loaded with food walks out
10. ResponseHe is liable, unlike an object in his hand
11. ResponseWhy the body is different from the hand