Yoma 47a

יומא מ״ז ע״א

Learn Yoma 47a step by step: Aramaic beside English, every question, answer and proof colour-coded.

Open Yoma 47a in Gemara Clarity

Topic

The כף and מחתה in the קטורת service, the stories of רבי ישמעאל בן קמחית, and the rules of קמיצה and חפינה

Overview

The משנה describes how the כהן גדול fills a כף with handfuls of קטורת and then holds the מחתה of coals in his right hand and the כף in his left. The גמרא explains that there are two pans, one of coals and one of incense. A spoon is needed because the coals and the incense must come in together in one הבאה, and there is no respectful way to do this by hand. The coal pan goes in the right hand because it is heavier, and even when the weights are equal, because it is hot. This leads to stories about רבי ישמעאל בן קמחית: his huge handfuls, two times a brother replaced him as כהן גדול, and his mother's modesty, which the חכמים said could not fully explain her reward. Finally, the גמרא asks whether the חפינה of קטורת may be measured with a vessel, as is forbidden for the קומץ of a מנחה. Attempted proofs from 'וכך היתה מדתה' are pushed off. A ברייתא then defines a proper קומץ: three fingers closed over the palm.

Opening lines

The steps (29)

1. StatementThe משנה: preparing the spoon and the pan for the incense
2. ChallengeWhy does the משנה mention the pan a second time?
3. ResolutionTwo different pans: one for coals, one for incense
4. ProofA ברייתא proves there was a separate pan of incense
5. ChallengeWhy use a spoon if the Torah says 'his handfuls'?
6. ResolutionThe spoon is needed because everything must be brought in one trip
7. ChallengeAnother way to avoid a spoon: incense in the hands, coal pan on top
8. RejectionRejected: he would have to use his teeth, which is disrespectful
9. ConclusionNo other way, so we follow the model of the נשיאים
10. ChallengeWhy does the less important coal pan get the right hand?
11. ResolutionThe coal pan is heavier
12. ResolutionEven when the weights are equal, the coal pan is hot
13. StatementThe giant handfuls of רבי ישמעאל בן קמחית
14. StatementFirst explanation: his mother ate fine flour
15. StatementSecond explanation: the selection was the best seed
16. ChallengeTwo verses about David use different words
17. ResolutionDavid: You selected me and shaped me
18. StatementSaliva from an Arab: ישבב serves instead
19. StatementSaliva from an officer: יוסף serves instead
20. Statementקמחית's seven sons and the reason she gave
21. RejectionThe Sages answer that modesty alone does not explain it
22. StatementThe קומץ of a מנחה must be taken by hand
23. QuestionDoes the same rule apply to the incense handful?
24. QuestionThe two sides of the question
25. ProofA proof from the משנה's words 'this was its measure'
26. RejectionThe proof is rejected: it describes scooping again inside
27. ProofSo the High Priest scoops twice
28. RejectionThe משנה can be read other ways, so nothing is proven
29. StatementHow a proper handful is taken