IF HE DEPOSITED [THE ERUV MEAL] ON A TREE
ABOVE [A HEIGHT] OF TEN HANDBREADTHS, HIS ERUV IS INEFFECTIVE; . . .
IF HE DEPOSITED IT IN A CISTERN, EVEN IF IT IS A
HUNDRED CUBITS DEEP, HIS ERUV IS EFFECTIVE.
After discussing
heights, like walls and treetops, we now gaze into the depths.
Where was this CISTERN situated? If it be suggested
that it was situated in a private domain, is [not this ruling, it may be
objected,] obvious, seeing that a private domain rises up to the sky, and as it
rises upwards so it descends downwards?
If, on the other hand, it be suggested that it was
situated in a public domain, where [it may again be objected] did the man
intend to have his Sabbath abode? If above, he would be in one domain and his eruv
in another; and if below, [is not the ruling again] obvious seeing that he and his
eruv are in the same place?
It is decided that the Mishnah
related to a cistern in a karmelet – an “in between” space, not quite
public and not quite private (i.e. and area in a public way, but which few
people travel on).
In any case, it is
interesting that “up” (because of the use of trees or other items) is more
complicated than “down.”
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