Mishnah 1
1)
(a)This Mishnah has already been discussed earlier (in Perek 11, Mishnah 3). We learned there that if a k'Zayis Meis is lying underneath one end of a Sagos (garment) Aveh or a Kofes (beam) Aveh, it does not transmit Tum'ah to Keilim that are lying underneath the other end. What does the Tana mean by Aveh?
(b)Then why do the Keilim remain Tahor?
(c)In the second case (regarding folded garments one on top of the other), seeing as there is no space in between the Keilim and the top garment, on what grounds are they Tamei?
(d)Why does the Tana repeat these Halachos here?
1)
(a)This Mishnah has already been discussed earlier (in Perek 11, Mishnah 3). We learned there that if a k'Zayis Meis is lying underneath one end of a Sagos (garment) Aveh or of a Kofes (beam) Aveh, it does not transmit Tum'ah to Keilim that are lying underneath the other end. By Aveh, the Tana means - a Tefach thick.
(b)The Keilim remain Tahor - because there is not a Tefach between the bottom of the Sagos and the ground (see Tos. Yom-Tov).
(c)In the second case (of folded garments one on top of the other), despite the fact that there is no space in between the Keilim and the top garment, they are Tamei - because of the distance of a Tefach between the bottom of the top garment and the ground.
(d)The Tana repeats these Halachos here - because of the cases regarding tiles that it is about to discuss.
2)
(a)What does the Mishnah say about the equivalent case, but where it is wooden tiles (instead of garments) that are piled one on top of another?
(b)What if the tiles are made of marble?
(c)Why is that?
2)
(a)In the equivalent case, but where it is wooden tiles (instead of garments) that are piled one on top of another the Mishnah rules likewise that - if there is a Tefach between the top tile and the ground then the k'Zayis Tum'ah will transmit Tum'ah to Keilim which are underneath the other end of the tiles.
(b)If the tiles are made of marble however, he applies the principle Tum'ah Boka'as ve'Olah, Tum'ah Boka'as ve'Yoredes ...
(c)... because marble is considered the same species as earth (see Tos. Yom-Tov).
Mishnah 2
3)
(a)The Tana now discusses two tiles underneath one of which there is a k'Zayis Meis. Both tiles are raised a Tefach from the ground and are touching each other. In what formation are they lying?
(b)Based on the rulings in the first Perek, what does the Mishnah rule in a case where ...
1. ... somebody touches the second tile?
2. ... there are Keilim lying underneath the first tile?
3. ... there are Keilim lying underneath the second tile?
(c)Bearing in mind the ruling in the first Perek rendering the person or the K'li that touch the third K'li, Tamei for only one day, why, in the first two cases, does the Tana rule that he is Tamei for seven?
(d)What is the reason for the last of the above rulings (see Tiferes Yisrael)?
3)
(a)The Tana now discusses two tiles underneath one of which there is a k'Zayis Meis. Both tiles are raised a Tefach from the ground - and lying in a diagonal formation, they are touching each other tip to tip.
(b)Based on the rulings in the first Perek, the Mishnah rules in a case where ...
1. ... somebody touches the second tile that - he becomes Tamei for seven days (see Tos. Yom-Tov), and so are ...
2. ... Keilim which are lying underneath the first tile.
3. ... there are Keilim lying underneath the second tile that - they remain Tahor.
(c)In spite of the ruling in the first Perek rendering the person or the K'li that touches the third K'li Tamei for only one day, in the first two cases, the Tana rules that he is Tamei for seven - because the K'li that actually became Tamei is not included in the three Keilim under discussion.
(d)The reason for the last of the above rulings is - because they would only be Tamei on account of Tum'as Ohel, which does not apply here, since the two tiles are touching at a point which measures less than a Tefach.
4)
(a)If there is a k'Zayis Meis underneath one end of a table-top, the Mishnah rules that it only transmits Tum'ah to Keilim that are underneath the other end, if it possesses Ribu'a be'Pose'ach Tefach. What is Ribu'a in this context?
(b)What does the Tana now mean?
(c)Why is it not Metamei if it is less, bearing in mind that the table-top measures more than a Pose'ach Tefach?
(d)In that case, how is it possible for there to be a k'Zayis Meis underneath the table, and for Keilim underneath the same table to remain Tahor?
4)
(a)If there is a k'Zayis Meis underneath one end of a table-top, the Mishnah rules that it only transmits Tum'ah to Keilim that are underneath the other end, if it possesses Ribu'a be'Pose'ach Tefach. 'Ribu'a' refers to - a box-shaped base on which the table-top rests ...
(b)... and what the Tana now means is that - the table-top must extend beyond the base at least a Tefach on all four sides in order to transmit the Tum'ah that is underneath it from one side to the other.
(c)It is not Metamei if it is less, despite the fact that the table-top measures more than a Pose'ach Tefach - because the middle section of the table (that rests on the base does not combine with the section that extends beyond it to create an Ohel).
(d)It is therefore possible for there to be a k'Zayis Meis underneath the table and for Keilim that are underneath the same table to remain Tahor - if the former is lying within the walls of the base and the latter outside (or vice-versa).
Mishnah 3
5)
(a)The Mishnah discusses rows of earthenware barrels (or large jars) that touch each other along a section that measures at least a Tefach. In which two ways might the barrels be placed?
(b)What does the Tana actually rule in this case?
(c)We cannot however, take his words literally. What is actually the Halachah, assuming that the barrels are all ...
1. ... lying on their sides? Why is that?
2. ... standing on their bases?
(d)What is the basis for the latter ruling?
5)
(a)The Mishnah discusses rows of earthenware barrels (or large jars) that touch each other along a section that measures at least a Tefach (see Tos. Yom-Tov). The barrels - are either standing on their bases or lying on their sides.
(b)The Tana actually rules in this case, that - Tum'ah Boka'as ve'Olah ... .
(c)We cannot however, take his words literally. The actual Halachah, assuming that the barrels are all ...
1. ... lying on their sides is that - only what is above and below the barrels is Tamei, but not the barrels themselves or their contents (see Tos. Yom-Tov), since earthenware Keilim cannot become Tamei via their outsides.
2. ... standing on their bases is that - also the barrels and their contents are Tamei ...
(d)... since there is no space between the air inside the barrel and the air outside it (as we learned at the end of the ninth Perek).
6)
(a)The Tana restricts the above ruling however, to barrels that were Tahor to begin with. What will be the Din if they were Tamei?
(b)Why is that? What is the basis to differentiate between Tahor vessels and Tamei ones?
(c)When will the same stringent ruling apply even if the barrels were Tahor?
6)
(a)The Tana restricts the above ruling however, to barrels that were Tahor to begin with. If they were Tamei - then if there is Tum'ah underneath one of them, all of them are Tamei ...
(b)... because then they do not block the space above the Tum'ah (like the folded garments in the first Mishnah); whereas if they were Tahor, they do (like the marble tiles there [see also Tos. Yom-Tov]).
(c)The same stringent ruling will apply even if the barrels were Tahor - if the barrels were raised one Tefach above the ground.
Mishnah 4
7)
(a)In a room which is divided by planks or curtains that is discussed by the Tana, where (in which of two possible locations) are the planks or the curtains placed?
(b)What distinction does the Tana draw between Keilim that are lying there and Tum'ah (a k'Zayis Meis)?
(c)What is the basis for this distinction?
(d)On what condition will Keilim that are lying in the small area behind the Mechitzah remain Tahor, even though the Tum'ah is lying there too?
7)
(a)In a room which is divided by planks or curtains that is discussed by the Tana - the planks or the curtains are either placed vertically near a wall, or horizontally, near the ceiling.
(b)The Tana draws a distinction between Keilim that are lying there and Tum'ah (a k'Zayis Meis) - in that if it is Keilim, they remain Tahor, whereas if it is a k'Zayis Meis (and the Keilim are in the main room) - then they become Tamei ...
(c)... because a Mechitzah (like the Din of Tzamid Pasil with regard to an earthenware K'li) protects what is within from becoming Tamei, but not Tum'ah that is within from passing through and rendering Tamei what is on the other side.
(d)Keilim that are lying in the small area behind the Mechitzah (see Tos. Yom-Tov) will remain Tahor, even though the Tum'ah is lying there too - provided the area is less than a Pose'ach Tefach.
Mishnah 5
8)
(a)What does the Tana mean when he says Chatzatzo me'Artzo?
(b)What does he say about a case where there are Keilim in the room and Tum'ah in the Chatzatz, assuming it measures ...
1. ... a Pose'ach Tefach or more?
2. ... less than a Pose'ach Tefach?
(c)And what does he now rule in a case where the Tum'ah is in the room and the Keilim are in the Chatzatz? On what does their status depend?
(d)What does he mean when he says she'Artzo shel Bayis Kamohu ... ? Up to where does this principle apply?
8)
(a)When the Tana says Chatzatzo me'Artzo he means that - in this case, the Chatzatz (mentioned in the previous Mishnah) was formed on the ground, by forming a raised floor with planks or curtains.
(b)And he rules, in a case where there is Tum'ah in the Chatzatz, assuming it measures ...
1. ... a Pose'ach Tefach or more - any Keilim in the room are Tamei (like the Din in the case of a covered pipe, in the third Perek), how much more so if it measures ...
2. ... less than a Pose'ach Tefach.
(c)Whereas in a case where the Tum'ah is in the room, the Keilim in the Chatzatz are Tamei only if the Chatzatz measures less than a Pose'ach Tefach.
(d)And when he says she'Artzo shel Bayis Kamohu, he means that - in the latter case, the Tum'ah extends right down to the center of the earth (Tum'ah Boka'as ve'Yoredes ... [see also Tos. Yom-Tov]).
Mishnah 6
9)
(a)In a room full of straw (up to the last Amah before the doorway) from floor to ceiling, with a gap of less than a Tefach between the top of the straw and the rafters, what does the Mishnah say in a case where ...
1. ... the Tum'ah is in the room (among the straw) and Keilim are lying in the Amah next to the doorway?
2. ... the Keilim are in the room and the Tum'ah is lying in the Amah next to the doorway?
(b)What difference will it make if the gap between the top of the straw and the rafters measures a Tefach?
(c)Why is that?
9)
(a)In a room full of straw (up to the last Amah before the doorway) from floor to ceiling, with a gap of less than a Tefach between the top of the straw and the rafters, the Mishnah rules that in a case where ...
1. ... the Tum'ah is in the room (among the straw) - any Keilim lying in the Amah next to the doorway are Tamei (like 'Tum'ah be'Chatzatz' in the previous Mishnah).
2. ... the Tum'ah is lying in the Amah next to the doorway - the Keilim in the room remain Tahor, but only if they are lying in a space that measures a Pose'ach Tefach.
(b)If however, the gap between the top of the straw and the rafters measures a Tefach - then either way, the Keilim become Tamei ...
(c)... because then the straw itself does not become Bateil to the room, but rather it has the Din of a K'li, which becomes Tamei, and therefore transmits Tum'ah.
Mishnah 7
10)
(a)On what condition does the Mishnah apply the principle Tum'ah Boka'as ve'Olah, Boka'as ve'Yoredes in a case where there is a k'Zayis Meis in a room which is filled with earth or grit?
(b)What if it is filled with a large pile of produce or pebbles?
(c)What size pile does the Tana specify?
10)
(a)The Mishnah applies the principle Tum'ah Boka'as ve'Olah, Boka'as ve'Yoredes in a case where there is a k'Zayis Meis in a room which is filled with earth (see Tos. Yom-Tov) or grit - provided one is Mevatel the earth or the grit there (see Tos. Yom-Tov). And this ruling will apply even ...
(b)... if it is filled with a large pile of produce or pebbles ...
(c)... even if the pile is only temporary See Tiferes Yisrael), like the pile that K'lal Yisrael placed on top of Achan, after stoning him.
11)
(a)What does the Tana say with regard to the current case, but where both the Tum'ah and the Keilim are lying inside the pile?
(b)And what will be the Din if the Tum'ah is situated in a space which measures a cubic Tefach?
11)
(a)The previous ruling will apply - even if both the Tum'ah and the Keilim are lying inside the pile.
(b)But if the Tum'ah is situated in a space which measures a cubic Tefach - similar to the Din of a grave (see Tos. Yom-Tov), it is Metamei the entire room (both from the inside and from the outside).
Mishnah 8
12)
(a)Beis Shamai and Beis Hillel now argue over the size that a Chatzar ha'Kever needs to be to render Tamei a person standing inside it. What is a Chatzar ha'Kever?
(b)What do Beis Shamai really mean when they say that someone who stands in a Chatzar ha'Kever is Tahor until it measures four Amos square?
(c)What do Beis Hillel say?
12)
(a)Beis Shamai and Beis Hillel now argue over the size that a Chatzar ha'Kever - a courtyard surrounded by Me'aros [catacombs] on all for sides [see also Tos. Yom-Tov]) needs to be to render Tamei, a person standing inside it.
(b)When Beis Shamai say that someone who stands in a Chatzar ha'Kever is Tahor until it measures four Amos square, he means that - he is Tamei as long as it measures less than four Amos square. If it measures four Amos or more, he is Tahor (see Tos. Yom-Tov).
(c)Beis Hillel - give the Shi'ur as four Tefachim square.
13)
(a)What is the equivalent distance from a grave that renders a person Tamei?
(b)Why is the Din there more stringent than in our Mishnah?
(c)What will be the Din if the Chatzer is surrounded by only three Ma'aros and not four?
13)
(a)The equivalent distance from a grave that renders a person Tamei is - up to and including four Amos.
(b)The Din there is more stringent than in our Mishnah - because, unlike our case, the space surrounding the grave is not marked by Mechitzos, like the Me'arah is.
(c)If the Chatzer is surrounded by only three Ma'aros and not four - then even a person standing one milimeter away from the entrance to one of the Me'aros remains Tahor (see Tos. Yom-Tov).
14)
(a)The Mishnah discusses a beam that is used as a Golel. What is a Golel?
(b)What does the Mishnah say about someone who touches it, assuming it is ...
1. ... standing vertically?
2. ... lying horizontally?
(c)In which case then, does the Tana Kama rule that only the bottom four Tefachim render Tamei the person who touches it (see Mishnah Achronah)?
(d)On what condition does someone who touches the rest of the beam remain Tahor?
14)
(a)The Mishnah discusses a beam that is used as a Golel - a cover for a grave).
(b)The Mishnah rules that someone who touches it, assuming it is ...
1. ... standing vertically - is Tamei only if he touches a part of the beam that is directly above the grave, but not what is on either side of it, and the same will apply if the beam is ...
2. ... lying horizontally.
(c)The Tana Kama rules that only the bottom four Tefachim render Tamei the person who touches it - if one specifies that it is only the bottom part of the beam that will serve as a Golel (see Mishnah Achronah).
(d)Someone who touches the rest of the beam remains Tahor - as long as he eventually intends to cut it off.
15)
(a)What does R. Yehudah say with regard to the latter ruling?
(b)Like whom is the Halachah?
15)
(a)R. Yehudah rules in the latter case that - it is nevertheless considered joined, and whoever touches it becomes Tamei.
(b)The Halachah - is like the Tana Kama.
Mishnah 9
16)
(a)If one places a sealed barrel that is full of Tahor liquid over a grave (as a Golel), what does the Mishnah say about ...
1. ... someone who touches it?
2. ... the barrel and the liquid?
(b)From where do we learn that a Golel is Metamei whoever touches it?
(c)What can we extrapolate from the Pasuk (Ibid.) "ve'Chol K'li Pasu'ach asher Ein Tzamid Pasil alav, Tamei Hu"?
(d)What sort of vessel is the Pasuk referring to?
16)
(a)If one places a sealed barrel that is full of Tahor liquid over a grave (as a Golel), the Mishnah rules that ...
1. ... someone who touches it - becomes Tamei, even though ....
2. ... the barrel and the liquid remain Tahor.
(b)We learn that a Golel is Metamei whoever touches it - from the Pasuk in Chukas (in connection with Tum'as Meis) "ve'Chol asher Yiga al-P'nei ha'Sadeh ... Yitma".
(c)We can extrapolate from the Pasuk "ve'Chol K'li Pasu'ach asher Ein Tzamid Pasil alav, Tamei Hu" that - if its lid is tightly shut, it is not subject to Tum'ah.
(d)The Pasuk is referring to an earthenware vessel, which is not subject to Tum'ah from the outside.
17)
(a)The Tana Kama renders Tamei whoever touches a live animal that one places over a grave as a Golel (see Tos. Yom-Tov DH 'ha'Noge'a Bah' & 'Beheimah'). What does R. Meir say?
(b)Why does he say that?
(c)Like whom is the Halachah?
17)
(a)The Tana Kama renders Tamei whoever touches a live animal that one places over a grave as a Golel (see Tos. Yom-Tov DH 'ha'Noge'a Bah' & 'Beheimah'). According to R. Meir however - whoever touches it remains Tahor ...
(b)... because a live animal is not subject to Tum'ah.
(c)The Halachah is - like the Tana Kama.
Mishnah 10
18)
(a)What does the Mishnah say about somebody who is Ma'ahil over a Meis with one hand whilst touching Keilim with the other?
(b)On what condition will the Keilim remain Tahor?
(c)And what will be the status of the Keilim if he is Ma'ahil over them with one hand, whilst with the other, he is ...
1. ... Ma'ahil over the Meis?
2. ... touching the Meis?
(d)On what condition will the Keilim become Tamei in both these cases?
18)
(a)The Tana rules that if somebody is Ma'ahil over a Meis with one hand - Keilim that he is touching with the other hand becomes Tamei for seven days.
(b)The Keilim will remain Tahor however - if he touches them after removing his other hand from the vicinity of the Meis (see Tos. Yom-Tov).
(c)If however, he is Ma'ahil over the Keilim with one hand, whilst with the other, he is ...
1. ... Ma'ahil over the Meis, or even whilst he is ...
2. ... touching the Meis - they remain Tahor (see Tos. Yom-Tov).
(d)The Keilim will become Tamei in both these cases however - in the event that his hand measures a square Tefach (see Tos. Yom-Tov).
19)
(a)The Mishnah now discusses a case where a person is standing in between two houses that are facing one another, each of which contains half a k'Zayis of Meis. If the person then stretches one hand into one house, and the other hand into the other house, on what condition will both houses become Tamei?
(b)What about the person himself?
19)
(a)The Mishnah now discusses a case where a person is standing in between two houses that are facing one another, each of which contains half a k'Zayis of Meis. If the person stretches one hand into one house, and the other hand into the other house, both houses become Tamei - if both hands measure a square Tefach.
(b)The person himself - is Tamei anyway (as we will learn in the next Mishnah).
Hadran alach 'Sagos Aveh'
