Monday, 7 January 2013

shabbat 96

not everything is written explicitly in the text

some details are hidden, they need to be anonymous

others, just aren't there...

(after an inconclusive discussion about where in the Torah the prohibition of carrying in public space on Shabbat is derived, there is the statement that it is from tradition and not written in the text. there is also a discussion about the man who gathers wood on shabbat and is punished. R. Akiva identifies him as Zelophehad, but R. Yehudah b. Beteira is cautious, the text does not say so explicitly and so may slander an innocent man. for english translation of this talmud page, see here)

Sunday, 6 January 2013

shabbat 95

connecting and disconnecting with the earth

can a perforated plant pot be considered connected to the ground?

and if it is not permitted to sprinkle water on the floor as may smooth the holes in the earth, then water on smooth stone has no such effect.

for english translation of this talmud page, see here


Saturday, 5 January 2013

shabbat 94

human dignity
looking after the body can overturn even a torah prohibition
from carrying a corpse
to removing a severed hanging fingernail

(for english translation of this talmud page, see here)

Friday, 4 January 2013

shabbat 93

if the support is not necessary

then

it's irrelevant.

it's like it isn't there

(for english translation of this talmud page, see here)

Thursday, 3 January 2013

shabbat 92

the multiple ways of carrying

with the usual, and unusual, parts of the body

and 2 people carrying one heavy item

(for english translation of this page of talmud, see here)

Wednesday, 2 January 2013

shabbat 91

combinations
individual things coming together to form one unit

can 2 different intentions be part of one prohibited act of carrying?

can many items combine to be one unit for carrying?

(for english translation of this talmud page, see here)

Tuesday, 1 January 2013

shabbat 90

the significance of very small things

a trace of perfume,
a speck of pepper
a single hair

and the power of locusts

(one is only liable for carrying on shabbat if carrying an amount to be useful. there are some items where even a very small trace is significant. and a talisman can be made with a certain locust for learning and wisdom. for english translation of this talmud page, see here)