Shabbos 59a

שבת נ״ט ע״א

Shabbat 59a

Learn Shabbos 59a step by step: Aramaic beside English, every question, answer and proof colour-coded.

Open Shabbos 59a in Gemara Clarity

Topic

Whether a broken vessel's remaining use must resemble its original use (מעין מלאכה ראשונה): the clapperless bell, the metal animal shoe, and the עיר של זהב

Overview

The גמרא explains why a bell that lost its clapper is still a כלי and can still be טמא. One reason, backed by רבי יוסי ברבי חנינא, is that it can still ring when struck on earthenware. A second reason, quoted in the name of רבי יוחנן, is that it can be used to give a child water. The גמרא challenges this using a ברייתא about 'עמוד ונעשה מלאכתנו' and רבי יוחנן's view that this test applies even to טומאת מת. On that view, only a use like the original one, מעין מלאכה ראשונה, should count. The גמרא answers by switching the names in the bell dispute. It proves this is the right switch from a ברייתא about a metal animal shoe, where רבי יוחנן says it can become טמא because a person can still wear it as a shoe. The גמרא then gives the practical differences between the three opinions on the shoe: a dirty shoe and a heavy shoe. Finally it returns to the משנה and starts explaining the עיר של זהב, a golden ornament showing ירושלים. That explanation continues on the next עמוד.

Opening lines

The steps (20)

1. ResponseThe bell still works by striking it on earthenware
2. ProofAn אמורא is quoted saying the same reason
3. Statementרבי יוחנן gives a different reason: giving a child water
4. ChallengeDoesn't רבי יוחנן require a use similar to the original?
5. ProofA ברייתא: only an object made for sitting gets מדרס impurity
6. Statementרבי אלעזר: the principle applies only to מדרס
7. Proofרבי יוחנן: the principle applies even to טומאת מת
8. ResolutionSwitch the names in the first dispute
9. ChallengeWhy switch the first dispute and not the second?
10. ResolutionWe already know רבי יוחנן requires the same type of use
11. ProofA metal animal shoe can become טמא
12. QuestionWhat human use does the animal shoe have?
13. ResponseThree uses: drinking, oil, or wearing it
14. QuestionWhat is the difference between רב and רבי חנינא?
15. ResponseA dirty shoe
16. QuestionWhat is the difference between רבי יוחנן and רבי חנינא?
17. ResponseA heavy shoe
18. StatementQuoting the next item in the משנה: a city of gold
19. QuestionWhat is a city of gold?
20. ResponseIt is a golden ירושלים ornament