Sukkah

because [in this case the validity of the Sukkah depends on] whether there is the standard size1 or not, and here2 there is not the standard size, for since their standard sizes3 are unequal, they do not combine; but according to you, who say that the size is solely dependent on the principle of division4 what does it matter whether the division is made through invalid covering, or through invalid covering and space?’ Abaye said to him, And according to the Master also, admitted that their standards are unequal in a large Sukkah, but in a small Sukkah are they not equal?5 — He answered, The reason there6 is not because the standards are equal, but because there is not the [minimum] size of a Sukkah remaining.7 Do we not then combine standards when they are unequal? Have we not in fact learnt: A garment that is three [handbreadths] square, sacking four handbreadths square, leather five handbreadths square and matting six handbreadths square8 [are susceptible to uncleanness]. And it has been taught concerning this: Garments and sacking, sacking and leather, leather and matting combine with one another?9 — In that case the reason has been given, as R. Simeon said, ‘What is the reason?10 Since they11 are susceptible to uncleanliness12 if [a man with running issue] sits on them, as we have learnt: If he cuts from any one of them13 a piece one handbreadth square, it is susceptible to uncleanliness’.14 To what use can a piece one handbreadth square be put? — R. Simeon b. Lakish in the name of R. Jannai replied, It can be used as a patch15 for [the saddle of] an ass.16 In Sura17 they taught this decision18 in the above words;19 in Nehardea20 they taught [as follows]:21 Rab Judah said in the name of Samuel, Invalid covering in the middle [of the Sukkah] invalidates22 if it is four [handbreadths wide]; at the side only if it is four cubits wide; while Rab says, Whether in the middle or at the sides, [it invalidates] only if it is four cubits wide. We have learnt: If he placed over it22 a plank four hand breadths wide,23 it is valid.24 It is well according to Rab who says that whether in the middle or at the sides [the invalid covering must be no less than] four cubits [to invalidate it]; for this reason it is [here] valid; but according to Samuel who says that at the middle a width of four [handbreadths invalidates], why is it here valid? — Here it is a case where [the plank was placed at] the side. Come and hear: Two sheets combine,25 two boards do not combine.26 R. Meir says, Boards are like sheets.27 It is well according to that version which says that Rab says that ‘whether in the middle or at the sides [it invalidates only] if it is four cubits wide;’ for thus by ‘combine’ was meant, Combine to make four cubits; but, according to the version which says that Rab says that, in the middle [even, only] four handbreadths [width of invalid covering] invalidates, what kind of boards are we to imagine? If they are each four handbreadths wide, why need they combine? And if they are each less than four handbreadths wide, they are mere sticks!28 — This is indeed a case where they are each four handbreadths wide; and what does ‘combine’ mean? That they combine to make up four cubits at the side.29 Come and hear: If he covered the Sukkah with planks of cedarwood which are four [handbreadths wide], according to all it is invalid; if they have not four handbreadths in their width, R. Meir declares it30 invalid and R. Judah declares it valid, mentioned even in the Mishnah; it has been fixed merely on the principle that four handbreadths represent a ‘division, i.e., the minimum size of a separate place, breaking up the unity of the Sukkah. invalid covering or of air space; why then should not the two combine? uncleanliness. all along the roof.