Eruvin

or whether the tefillin were new1 or old;2 so R. Meir. R. Judah forbids this in the case of new ones but permits it in that of old ones. It is quite clear, therefore, that one Master3 is of the opinion that a man does take unnecessary trouble,4 while the other Master5 holds that he does not. (Mnemonic: Shizi ‘azbi.)6 Now, however, that the father of Samuel son of R. Isaac learned: ‘Old ones are all those that have straps which are tied into a knot,7 while new ones are such as have straps that are not tied into a knot,’7 all might be assumed to agree8 that no man would take unnecessary trouble.9 But why should not one fasten them10 with a loop?11 — R. Hisda replied: This proves that a loop is inadmissible12 in tefillin. Abaye replied: R. Judah follows his view, expressed elsewhere,13 that a loop is like a proper knot.14 The reason then15 is that a loop is like a proper knot, but if that had not been so one would presumably have been allowed to fasten them with a loop. But, it may be objected, did not R. Judah son of R. Samuel b. Shilath rule in the name of Rab: The shape of the knot of the tefillin is a halachah that was given to Moses at Sinai, and R. Nahman explained: Their ornamentation16 must be turned outwards?17 — One could make the loop similar to the prescribed knot.18 R. Hisda citing Rab19 ruled: If a man buys a supply of’ tefillin20 from a non-expert he must examine two tefillin of the hand and one of the head, or two of the head and one of the hand.21 But, whatever your explanation may be, a difficulty remains:22 If he bought them from one man,23 why should he not examine either three of the hand or three of the head,24 and if he bought them from two or three persons, should not each one require examination?25 The fact is that he bought them from one man, but it is necessary that his reputation shall be established in respect of those of the hand as well as those of the head. But can this be correct? purely Rabbah b. Samuel learned, ‘In the case of tefillin one examines three of the hand and of the head’, which means, does it not, either three of the hand or three of the head? — No, three, some of which must be of the hand and some of the head. But did not R. Kahana learn: In the case of tefillin one examines two of the hand and of the head?26 — This27 represents the view of28 Rabbi who laid down that if something has happened twice presumption is established.29 But if this27 represents the view of Rabbi, read the final clause: ‘The same procedure is followed25 in the case of the second packet and also in that of the third packet’;30 but if this represents the view of Rabbi, would he require the examination of a third packet?31 — Rabbi agrees32 in the case of packets since one usually buys them from two or three persons.33 But if so,34 should not even the fourth and even the fifth also require examination? — The law is so indeed,35 and the reason why ‘the third’ is mentioned is merely to indicate that36 no presumption is established.37 In fact, however, even a fourth or a fifth must also be examined. IF HE FOUND THEM ARRANGED IN PACKETS OR TIED UP IN BUNDLES etc. What is meant by PACKETS38 and what by BUNDLES?39 — Rab Judah citing Rab replied: Packets and bundles are practically the same thing but in packets the tefillin are packed In pairs while in bundles they are tied together promiscuously.40 HE SHALL WAIT BY THEM UNTIl IT IS DARK AND THEN BRING THEM IN. But why?41 Might he not bring them in, one pair at a time?- R. Isaac the son of R. Judah replied: It was explained to me by my father that if by bringing them in, one pair at a time, the entire stock could be transferred42 before sunset, he is to take them in,43 one pair at a time; otherwise HE SHALL WAIT BY THEM UNTIL IT IS DARK AND THEN BRING THEM IN. IN A TIME OF DANGER, HOWEVER, HE SHALL COVER THEM. AND PROCEED ON HIS WAY. But was it not taught: In a time of danger he carries them44 in small stages each of less than four cubits?45 — Rab replied:46 This is no difficulty since the former47 refers to the danger of heathens48 while the latter49 refers to that of highwaymen.50 because they might be mere amulets but because not having the prescribed knot they cannot be worn, since no permanent knot may be made on the Sabbath. could it possibly be presumed that it could be replaced by a loop? expert and the remainder of the supply may be regarded as valid tefillin. examine more than three packets. a distance of four cubits. and bundles, from watching them until it gets dark. the act of wearing or protecting ritual appurtenances (cf. Rashi a.l. second interpretation). to carry then, away by walking in small stages. bundles to town in full daylight.