Shabbat

in water, this being a leniency which the Rabbis permitted in connection with water. But why so: surely there is the passing through of fish? Hence infer from this that the passing through of fish is not designated passing through. IF SHIPS ARE TIED TOGETHER, etc. This is obvious? — Said Raba. This is necessary only to permit [carrying via] a small boat [lying] between them.  Said R. Safra to him, By Moses!  do you say right? We learnt, ONE MAY CARRY FROM ONE TO ANOTHER! — Rather said R. Safra. It is necessary only to [teach that one may] combine them  and carry from one to another, and as it was taught: If ships are tied to each other, one may combine them and carry from one to another. If they are separated, they become prohibited. If they are rejoined. whether in ignorance  or wilfully. accidentally or erroneously,  they revert to their original permitted condition. Likewise, if mats are spread [i.e.. hung up].  one may combine them and carry from one to another. If they are rolled up, they become prohibited. If they are respread,  whether in ignorance or wilfully, accidentally or erroneously, they revert to their original permitted condition. For every partition that is made on the Sabbath, whether ignorantly or wilfully. is designated a partition, But that is not so? For did not R. Nahman say: They learnt this only in respect of throwing,  yet it is forbidden to carry [therein]?  — R. Nahman's [dictum] was stated in reference to wilful [erection]. Samuel said: Even if they are tied by a cloak ribbon. How is that: if it can hold them together, it is obvious? If it cannot hold them together, why [does it suffice]? — In truth, it is one that can hold them together, but Samuel comes to discount his own [dictum]. For we learnt: If one ties it [a ship]  with something that holds it still, it brings defilement to it; with something that does not hold it still, it does not bring defilement to it. Whereon Samuel observed: Providing that it is fastened with iron chains.  Now, it is only with respect to defilement where it is written, one that it slain with a sword,  [teaching.] the sword is like the slain,  that that [Samuel's dictum] is so. But with respect to the Sabbath, since it can hold it still, even [if it be] with the ribbon of a cloak, [it is sufficient].