Eruvin

while he1 who said ‘four handbreadths’, is of the opinion that it is forbidden to make use [of the floor space] under the beam?2 — No; all may agree3 that it is permissible to make use [of floor space] under the cross-beam,4 but here they5 differ on the following principles: One Master holds the opinion that a cross-beam [is required] on account [of the necessity for] a distinguishing mark;6 while the other Master1 holds that a cross-beam [is required] on account [of the necessity for] a partition.7 If you prefer I might reply that all agree3 that a cross-beam [is required] on account [of the necessity for] a distinguishing mark; but here they5 differ on [the question whether] the distinguishing mark below [must be of the same dimensions as] the one above. One Master is of the opinion that we say that a distinguishing mark below8 [is provided by the same width] as the one above,9 and the other Master10 holds that we do not say that a distinguishing mark below [is provided by the same dimensions] as the one above.11 And if you prefer I might reply that all agree that a distinguishing mark below [is provided by the same width] as the one above,12 but their13 point of difference here is [the question whether a wider space was ordered] as a preventive measure against the possibility of its being trodden down.14 [If an entrance to an alley] was less than ten handbreadths [in height] and it was desired to dig up the ground15 so as to bring up the altitude16 to ten [handbreadths] how much must one excavate? — [You ask] , ‘How much must one excavate’? As much [of course] as one requires!17 — Rather [this is the question:] To what extent in width18 [must one excavate]? — R. Joseph replied: To19 four [handbreadths]. Abaye replied: To four cubits. Might it be suggested that they20 differ on the principle laid down by R. Ammi and R. Assi? For it was stated: If a breach was made in a side-wall of21 an alley close to its entrance,22 it was ruled in the name of R. Ammi and R. Assi, if a strip23 of [the width of] four [handbreadths] was there24 it is permissible25 [to regard the alley as ritually fit],26 provided the breach is not wider than27 ten [cubits].28 If, however, [there was] no [such strip29 there] it is permissible [to regard the alley as ritually fit, if the breach was] less than three [handbreadths wide],30 [but if it was] three [handbreadths wide]31 this is not permissible.32 [Might it then be suggested that] R. Joseph33 adopts the principle of R. Ammi34 and that Abaye35 does not hold the principle of R. Ammi?36 Abaye can answer you: There37 [it is a question of] destroying the ritual fitness38 of an alley,39 but here40 [it is a case of] creating one.41 [Consequently] if the excavation extends42 [to a width of] four cubits [the entrance becomes] ritually fit,43 but if not, it is not [fit]. Said Abaye: Whence do I derive my ruling?44 From what was taught:45 ‘[The movement of objects in] an alley cannot be permitted [on the Sabbath] by means of a sidepost46 and a crossbeam47 unless houses and courtyards open out into it’.48 Now if [a strip of the width] of four [handbreadths were to constitute a proper alley wall) how could this49 be possible?50 And should you reply that the doors might open51 in the middle wall,52 the fact is [it could be retorted] that R. Nahman stated: We have a tradition that if [the movement of objects in] an alley is to be53 permitted [on the Sabbath] by means of a side-post and a crossbeam, its length54 must be55 more than its width56 and houses and courtyards must open out into it.57 And R. Joseph?58 — Each door might open59 in a corner.60 Abaye further61 stated: Whence do I derive my ruling? From what Rami b. Hama62 said in the name of R. Huna: If a projection from [the end of a side] wall of an alley63 is less than four cubits [in width] it may be regarded as a side-post and no other post is required to effect the ritual fitness of the alley,64 [but if it is] four cubits [wide] it is deemed to be [a part of the structure of the] alley, and another post is required to effect its ritual fitness.64 And R. Joseph?65 — To deprive [a projection] of its status as a post there must be66 [a width of] four cubits but as regards constituting [a wall in] an alley, even [a width] of four handbreadths is also [enough] to constitute an alley. [Reverting to] the above text, ‘Rami b. Hama said in the name of R. Huna: If a projection from [the end of a side] wall of an alley regarded as outside the alley. Since no one would consequently use that space no one would notice the beam which, from the level of the general floor of the alley, would be higher than twenty cubits. The raised ground must, therefore, be extended into the alley to form a substantial area; and the minimum of such an area is four handbreadths. remember that what is permitted in the former is not permitted in the latter. A level of the width of one handbreadth which the residents must pass on their way from and into the alley is, therefore, quite sufficient for the purpose. handbreadths (v. infra 86b and cf. supra n. 9 final clause). handbreadth only, might in the course of time be worn down to less than a handbreadth. R. Joseph holds that this possibility was not provided against while Abaye holds that it was. Hence, according to Abaye, the necessity for a width of more than a handbreadth. And since a width above the minimum was required, it was fixed at four handbreadths. (cf. supra p. 23, n. 9 final clause). and does not, therefore, affect its ritual fitness, while the validity of the main entrance is retained owing to the strip of wood or building structure which, complying with the prescribed size, serves the purpose of the original wall and, together with the wall opposite and the cross-beam above them, constitutes a valid alley to which the main entrance serves as doorway. the alley. intact. sufficient. MS.M. adds: ‘and R. Assi’. the full width of the alley wall. handbreadths the former might be long enough to admit of more than one courtyard door. would be (cf. supra note 8) no less than eight handbreadths exclusive of the doorposts; and it would thus be twice as big as either of the side walls. width of an alley wall? handbreadths in length, to open a door that is four handbreadths wide in each corner where the two side walls respectively meet the back wall.