Zevachim 78b

זבחים ע״ח ע״ב

Learn Zevachim 78b step by step: Aramaic beside English, every question, answer and proof colour-coded.

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Topic

Judging mixtures by taste or majority, imagining a same-kind mixture as a different kind, and רבי יהודה's 'red wine' test

Overview

The גמרא gives a new explanation of ריש לקיש: when one kind is mixed with a different kind, we go by taste (טעמא), and when a kind is mixed with its own kind, we go by majority (רובא). It then suggests that even a same-kind mixture should be judged as if the two things were different. It tries to prove this from the משנה about blood mixed with wine, which we 'view as if it is water.' Someone answers that it is the blood that is viewed as water, but the גמרא replies that the משנה would then simply have said 'בטל.' It adds support from רבי יהודה, who imagines white wine or milk in a bucket dipped in a מקוה as if it were red wine. The proof is turned down, because in the same ברייתא the first opinion simply follows the majority, so this is a dispute of תנאים. The גמרא then raises a contradiction within רבי יהודה's own view. A משנה about immersing buckets uses his 'רואין' language for urine, yet for מי חטאת it says a simple majority is enough. אביי begins to answer that this is not difficult, and his explanation continues on the next amud.

Opening lines

The steps (12)

1. ResolutionDifferent kinds go by taste, same kind goes by majority
2. ChallengeWhy not judge a same-kind mixture as if it were a different kind?
3. ProofProof from blood mixed with wine
4. RejectionNo, it is the blood we view as water
5. ChallengeThen the משנה should have said 'nullified'
6. ProofMore support: רבי יהודה imagines white wine as red wine
7. ProofFinishing the red wine proof: if the color stays, it is unfit
8. RejectionThe proof is turned down: it is a dispute of the early sages
9. ChallengeA contradiction: urine in a bucket is viewed as water
10. ChallengeThe bucket full of purification water needs a majority of מקוה water
11. ChallengeThe source says 'רואין' like רבי יהודה, yet uses a simple majority
12. Resolutionאביי begins: this is not a difficulty