Mishnah 1
1)
(a)The Tana, discussing weapons and bladed implements which are divided into two parts, lists Sayif (a sword), Sakin (a knife) and Pigyon. What is a Pigyon?
(b)He adds Romach (a spear), Magal Yad and Magal Katzir. What is the difference between a Magal Yad and a Magal Katzir?
(c)And he concludes his list with Sh'chor and Zug shel Saparim. What is the difference between the two? Why is the former then called Sh'chor'?
(d)What else might Sh'chor mean?
1)
(a)The Tana, discussing weapons and bladed implements which are divided into two parts, lists Sayif (a sword), Sakin (a knife) and Pigyon - a knife with a double-sided blade.
(b)He adds Romach (a spear), Magal Yad - a smooth scythe which is used to break bones and to cut wood (see also Tiferes Yisrael) and Magal Katzir - a scythe that is full of niches (lie a saw).
(c)And he concludes his list with Sh'chor - a small pair of scissors used for shaving (so-called because it removes hair [since 'Mashirin' and' Mashchirin' have the same meaning]; see also Tos. Yom Tov), and Zug shel Saparim - a large pair of scissors.
(d)Sh'chor might also mean - a razor.
2)
(a)The Tana Kama rules that if any of the above are divided into two parts, both sections are Tamei. What does he mean by divided into two parts?
(b)Why are they both Tamei?
(c)What does R. Yossi say?
(d)Like whom is the Halachah?
2)
(a)The Tana Kama rules that if any of the above are divided into two parts, both sections are Tamei. 'Divided into two parts' - inasmuch as it is made of joints that are meant to comes apart (see also Tos Yom Tov).
(b)They are both Tamei - because both sections are usable.
(c)According to R. Yossi - the section that is attached to the handle is Tamei, but not the other section, which a person is afraid to use, in case he cuts his hand
(d)The Halachah is like the Tana Kama.
3)
(a)R. Yehudah considers a Misperes that breaks, Tamei. What is a Misperes?
(b)On what grounds do the Chachamim disagree with R. Yehudah, and declare it Tahor? Why is it different than the earlier cases, which are all Tamei?
3)
(a)R. Yehudah considers a Misperes - women's scissors (see Tos. Yom Tov), that breaks, Tamei.
(b)The Chachamim declare it Tahor - because, unlike the previous cases, these scissors actually broke, since they are not meant to be used in halves (though one needs to add that the broken pieces can only be used with difficulty [see Tiferes Yisrael]).
Mishnah 2
4)
(a)The Tana now discusses various bi-functional implements, such as a Kuligrifon and a Mikchol. What do all the cases in this Mishnah have in common? In what way are they bi-functional?
(b)A Kaligrifon has teeth at one end and a shovel at the other. What are their respective uses?
(c)The spoon-shaped end of a Mikchol is used to apply eye-paint. What function does the narrow end serve?
(d)What does the Tana say about a case where one end of these implements (and those still to be discussed) breaks?
4)
(a)The Tana now discusses various bi-functional implements such as a Kuligrifon and a Mikchol - in that each of the opposite ends has a different use.
(b)A Kaligrifon, which has teeth at one end - to remove bread or meat (from the oven), and a shovel at the other - with which one removes coal and ashes.
(c)The spoon-shaped end of a Mikchol is used to apply eye-paint whereas the narrow end is used - to clean out one's ears
(d)Should one end of these implements (and those still to be discussed) breaks - it remains Tamei, because of the other end.
5)
(a)What function does the other end serve of ...
1. ... a Machteiv, whose pointed end is used to write on a wax tablet?
2. ... a Zumalistron, whose spoon-shaped end is shaped like like a spoon) is used to remove the scum from the pot?
3. ... a Ma'der, whose pitch-fork end is used to turn the earth?
(b)What status does the Tana ascribe to the above implements in the event that one end of all the above breaks? On what condition will it no longer be subject to Tum'ah?
5)
(a)One end of a ...
1. ... Machteiv (the pointed one) is used to write on a wax tablet, the other (thick) end - to rub it out.
2. ... Zumalistron (the one which is shaped like a spoon) is used to remove the scum from the pot, the other (fork-shaped) end - to remove the meat.
3. ... Mader is used as a pitch-fork with which one turns the earth; the other end - to join the plowing implements together (though it is not clear how it does so. According to the Tiferes Yisrael, the other end, which is thick, is used to break up large clods of earth).
(b)If one end of all the above breaks - the Tana declares the implement Tahor, provided the handle that remains is too short to serve the other end.
Mishnah 3
6)
(a)A Charchur is a spade with a particularly sharp edge. What function does the sharp edge serve?
(b)On what conditions does it become Tahor due to the edge fraying?
(c)And what does the Mishnah say about a Charchur whose hole ('Makupo' [into which the handle fits]) breaks?
6)
(a)A Charchur is a spade with a particularly sharp edge - which is needed to sever the roots that interfere with the plow.
(b)It become Tahor due to the edge fraying - once the majority has been affected.
(c)The Mishnah rules that a Charchur whose hole ('Makupo' [into which the handle fits]) breaks - is Tahor.
7)
(a)What do both ends of a 'Kardum' have in common?
(b)If Beis Biku'o is the narrow end of a Kardum (a chopper) with which Balabatim split pieces of wood, what function does 'Ushpo' serve (see also Tiferes Yisrael)?
(c)What status does the Tana ascribe to a Kardum, in the event that one of the ends breaks?
7)
(a)The common factor that the two ends of a 'Kardum' share is - that they are both sharp.
(b)Beis Biku'o is the narrow end of the Kardum with which Balabatim split pieces of wood, whereas 'Ushpo' is - the pointed end which is used by carpenters in their trade. Alternatively, the wide end is used to chop wood, the pointed end, to make holes in lumps of wood (Tiferes Yisrael).
(c)In the event that one of the ends breaks - it remains Tamei, since the other end can still be used.
Mishnah 4
8)
(a)A Magreifah is a sort of metal trowel. What is it used for?
(b)According to R.Meir, it remains Tamei even if the main section has broken off. Why is that?
(c)What do the Chachamim say?
(d)Like whom is the Halachah?
8)
(a)A Magreifah is a sort of metal trowel - that is used to shovel ashes from the oven.
(b)According to R. Meir, it remains Tamei even if the main section has broken off - because the other end is made in the shape of a blacksmith's mallet (in which capacity it is still usable).
(c)But the Chachamim - declare it Tahor (see Tiferes Yisrael).
(d)The Halachah is - like the Chachamim.
9)
(a)How many teeth of a saw must be missing for a saw to be Tahor?
(b)How much of the saw needs to remain fully intact for it to nevertheless be Tamei?
(c)What does the Tana say about an adz, an Izmal (a Mohel's knife), a plane and an awl that have ...
1. ... a flaw?
2. ... had their Chisum removed? What is Chisum?
3. ... been broken in half?
(d)What is the sole exception to the last ruling?
(e)What status does the Tana ascribe to the Rukni (the wood) of the plane on its own?
9)
(a)For a saw to be Tahor - every third tooth must be missing (there are no three consecutive teeth intact).
(b)For it to nevertheless be Tamei - a Malei ha'Sit (the distance between the extended thumb and forefinger) needs to remain intact.
(c)The Tana rules that an adz, an Izmal (a Mohel's knife), a plane and an awl that have ...
1. ... a flaw - nevertheless remain subject to Tum'ah (see Tiferes Yisrael).
2. ... had their Chisum (a sharp iron or copper edge that reinforces the blade [see Tos. Yom Tov]) removed - becomes Tahor.
3. ... been broken in half - remain Tamei (because they can still be used in case of an emergency [see also Tos. Yom Tov) ...
(d)... with the sole exception of - an awl (which cannot [see also Tiferes Yisrael & previous Tos. Yom Tov]).
(e)The Tana declares the Rukni (the wood) of the plane on its own - Tahor.
Mishnah 5
10)
(a)What does the Mishnah say about a regular needle with either its eye or its point missing?
(b)On what condition will it again become Tamei?
10)
(a)The Mishnah rules that a regular needle with either its eye or its point missing - is Tahor.
(b)It will again become Tamei - if one designates it (see Tiferes Yisrael) for stretching garments.
11)
(a)The Tana now discusses a Machat shel Saka'im. What is a Machat shel Saka'im?
(b)And what does he say about...
1. ... one that is missing its hole?
2. ... one that is missing its point?
3. ... a Machat shel Mitu'ach? What is a 'Machat shel Mitu'ach'?
(c)At which point does a needle that is starting to become rusty become Tahor?
11)
(a)The Tana now discusses a Machat shel Saka'im - a thick needle that is used to stitch sack and other thick materials.
(b)He rules that...
1. ... one that is missing its hole - is Tamei because it can be used for writing (in wax).
2. ... one that is missing its point - is Tahor.
3. ... a Machat shel Mitu'ach - (a needle that one fixed to use for stretching the edges of garments) is Tamei either way.
(c)A needle that is starting to become rusty becomes Tahor - the moment it begins to interfere with the stitching.
12)
(a)Tzinora is a small fork with a bent tip for turning over roasting meat. What is an even smaller version used for?
(b)What does the Mishnah say about a Tzinora whose tip has been straightened?
(c)On what condition will it again become Tamei?
12)
(a)Tzinora is a small fork with a bent tip for turning over roasting meat. And an even smaller version is used - to remove burned-out wicks from a lamp-holder.
(b)The Mishnah declares a Tzinora whose tip has been straightened - Tahor.
(c)It will again become Tamei (see Tos. Yom Tov) - when one bends it back.
Mishnah 6
13)
(a)What distinction does the Mishnah draw between wood that serves a metal vessel and metal that serves a wooden one?
(b)What is therefore the status of a key made out of ...
1. ... wood whose Pinim (or Chafin [the part of the key that turns the lock]) are made of metal?
2. ... metal whose Pin ... is made of wood?
(c)What will be the Din if, in the former case, only one of the Pinim ... is made of metal?
13)
(a)The Mishnah rules that - wood that serves a metal vessel is Tamei, whereas metal that serves a wooden one is Tahor.
(b)Consequently, the status of a key made out of ...
1. ... wood whose Pinim (or Chafin [the part of the key that turns the lock] are made of metal (which is the main part of the key) - is Tamei, whereas ...
2. ... in the reverse case - it is Tahor.
(c)In the former case, even if only one of the Pinim is made of metal - it will still be Tamei (see Tos. Yom Tov).
14)
(a)And what does the Mishnah say about a ring made out of ...
1. ... metal whose seal is made out of coral?
2. ... coral whose seal is made out of metal?
(b)Why is the latter not subject to Tum'ah, seeing as it has a Beis Kibul (a cavity) (see Tos. Yom-Tov)?
(c)The tooth that is on the plate of the key (or the lock [it is unclear exactly what this is. See also Tiferes Yisrael's interpretation of Pin and Shein) is Tamei independently. Why is that?
14)
(a)And for the same reason, a ring made out of ...
1. ... metal whose seal is made out of coral - is Tamei, whereas ...
2. ... in the reverse case - it is Tahor (see Tos. Yom Tov).
(b)The latter is not subject to Tum'ah, despite the fact that it has a Beis Kibul (a cavity), - because that Beis Kibul is not considered a receptacle - since it is meant to be filled (Tos. Yom Tov).
(c)The tooth that is on the plate of the key (or the lock [it is unclear exactly what this is. See also Tiferes Yisrael's interpretation of Pin and Shein]) is Tamei independently - because it is used independently (see Tos. Yom Tov).
15)
(a)The Tana now discusses Kedumin Ashkelonin that broke, though their hooks are still intact. These Kedumin might be large stands with hooks on which to hang bottles of water. What purpose did they serve?
(b)What else might they be?
(c)Why are they called Kedumin Ashkelonin?
(d)What ruling does the Mishnah issue with regard to them?
15)
(a)The Tana now discusses Kedumin Ashkelonin that broke, though their hooks are still intact. These large stands with hooks on which to hang bottles of water - for them to cool in the fresh air.
(b)Alternatively, these Kedumin might be - rings attached to the foot of a pole, with hooks coming off them, to retrieve vessels that have fallen into a pit.
(c)They are called Kedumin Ashkelonin - because they were manufactured in Ashkelon.
(d)The Mishnah - declares them subject to Tum'ah.
16)
(a)Ma'aver, Mizreh and and Magov are all made of wood. If a Ma'aver is used to transport corn from one place to another, what does one do with a Mizreh?
(b)Both are kinds of pitch-fork. What is the difference between them?
(c)And what is a Magov?
16)
(a)Ma'aver, Mizreh and and Magov are all made of wood. A Ma'aver is used to transport corn from one place to another; a Mizreh - to winnow the crops (as their names suggest).
(b)Both are kinds of pitch-fork - only the latter has more prongs (to catch the corn as it falls ...
(c)... whereas a Magov (which is used to select the corn after the winnowing) - has even more prongs (see also Tiferes Yisrael).
17)
(a)Since all these implements are straight wooden vessels, they are Tahor. In which case does the Tana declare them Tamei?
(b)Why did this ruling puzzle R. Yehoshua?
(c)Which other (household) article does the Tana add to the list?
17)
(a)Since all these implements are straight wooden vessels, they are Tahor. The Tana declares them Tamei however - if even just one of the prongs breaks and is replaced by a metal one.
(b)This ruling puzzled R. Yehoshua - because he failed to understand how because of one metal prong the entire K'li should be transformed into a metal vessel.
(c)The other (household) article that the Tana adds to the list is - a comb.
Mishnah 8
18)
(a)The Mishnah now discusses a flax-comb, whose many thin prongs are made of metal. On what condition does the Tana rule that even if most of its teeth break, it is still subject to Tum'ah?
(b)And he adds that each individual tooth that breaks off is still Tamei. Why is that?
18)
(a)The Mishnah now discusses a flax-comb, whose many thin prongs are made of metal. The Tana rules that even if most of its prongs break, it is still subject to Tum'ah - as long as two prongs remain intact.
(b)And he adds that each individual prong that breaks off is still Tamei - because it is fit to write with (on a wax tablet [see last Tos. Yom Tov in the Perek]).
19)
(a)What does the Tana say about the equivalent wool-comb? Under which circumstances will it become Tahor?
(b)Under which circumstances will it become Tahor, even if three of its needle-like (consecutive) teeth remain intact?
(c)And on what condition does the Tana declare ...
1. ... two of its teeth Tamei?
2. ... one of its teeth Tamei?
19)
(a)With regard to the equivalent wool-comb - the Tana declares it Tahor if every second prong (or tooth, since they are extremely thin) is missing, unless three consecutive teeth remain intact (see Tos. Yom Tov), when it will still be Tamei ...
(b)... unless one of those three teeth belongs to the outer row (which comprises thicker prongs, which cannot be used to comb the wool).
(c)And the Tana declares ...
1. ... two of its teeth Tamei - if they have been removed and made into a pair of tweezers to pluck out body hairs (Rambam).
2. ... one of its teeth Tamei - if it has been removed and designated (see Tos. Yom Tov) for removing a wick from a lamp or for stretching the threads of a garment.
Hadran alach 'ha'Sayaf ve'ha'Sakin'
