Hi
In daf 21a the gemoro says, how does a human drink from the wells on shabbos? Metapes v'Oleh, he climbs in and out and drinks. According to Rashi, he holds onto the sides with his hands and feet and balances. I would imagine it would be quite difficult to do this while at the same time trying to draw water and drink while in the well. How do we expect him to do this?
Furthermore, Why cant he draw the water with the bucket and lean Rosho v'Ruvo over the well and drink in that position?
Thanks
Eli
Eli Pacanowski, Melbourne, Australia
I was wondering about this point as well when I learned this. Firstly we should mention that he cannot draw water in order to drink, this was only permitted for animals in the Pasei Beiraos but not for humans. Chazal's concern is that a human who draws water will not be able to drink all the water like an animal and he may then take the bucket out of the Pasei Beiraos for other people to use.
Therefore a person can only drink by actually physically descending into the water and drinking there. This may seem strange to the modern person but was perfectly acceptable in ancient times. If the well was very deep (This is a possible meaning of the words Rachavim, or maybe if it is too wide he will not be able to use his hands to get out) he is even allowed to draw water from the well, since we can assume he will be careful to maintain the guidelines in such a situation. (Or because it's a Milsa Dla Shchicha and the rabbis did not make a gezeira for that). The Rishonim add another leniency, if he drew water for an animal he can then drink from that water since it was originally drawn for the animal. (Tosfos, Rashba)
Yoel Domb