on 37a there is an argument between rav zvid and rav pappa. i am having a rough time grasping the totality of this topic. can you please explain to me what they are arguing about ?
shua drasnin, chesterfield, missouri
Dear Shua,
The first part of the Mishnah can be read in two opposite ways, and that depends if there is, or is not, written the letter Vav ("and") preceding the fifth word, "(V')Eino Mu'ad."
The first way, that of Rav Zevid (with a Vav), reads that if we know it is a Mu'ad to its type, and we know that it is not a Mu'ad to a different type, then.... (But without knowing, we assume it is a Mu'ad to all.)
The second way, that of Rav Papa (without the Vav), reads that if the animal is Mu'ad to its type, it is assumed not to be a Mu'ad to a different type (unless known otherwise).
The Gemara then proceeds to see how each side reads the Mishnah, other Beraisos, and with what logic and Chidush.
Take one piece at a time. Feel free to ask us any more questions.
All the best,
Reuven Weiner