QUESTION: The Gemara says that just as Rebbi Yehudah maintains the stricter opinion with regard to the size of a Gemi (reed-grass), he must also maintain the stricter opinion with regard to the size of a Charasis (piece of clay).

What is the connection between these two objects? Why does the Gemara assume that Rebbi Yehudah's opinion must be strict in both cases?

ANSWER: The RITVA explains that Rebbi Yehudah and the Chachamim argue about a general principle. When an object has a prevailing use and purpose, the size of the object used for that purpose is what determines the amount necessary to be Chayav for Hotza'ah of that object. When there is another common use for the object, but it is less common than the other use, and the size used for that less common use is smaller than the size used for the more common use, is the amount for Hotza'ah established by the more common use (and the larger size), or is it established by the less common use (and the smaller size)? Rebbi Yehudah maintains that the size for Hotza'ah is established based on the smaller size (l'Chumra), even though it is based on the less common use. Consequently, he should also maintain the stricter opinion with regard to Charasis.