Chapter Previewהַקְדָּמָה
In this chapter, we learn the halachos of a place that is enclosed but not for the purpose of human habitation, such as gardens, orchards, or open fields. Hashem's Torah defines a private domain by its walls, but our Sages, in their great wisdom, made a fence for the Torah to prevent us from coming to carry in a public domain. They established that if such an area is larger than the size of the courtyard of the Mishkan—which was the space needed to sow two seah of grain—one may not carry within it more than four amos, treating it with the stringency of a carmelit.
We will also learn the precise measurements of this area, which is five thousand square amos, and how its shape affects its halachic status. The chapter teaches us the guidelines for rectangular enclosures, elevated surfaces, and rocks in the sea, as well as the practical steps a person must take to change the status of an area so that it is considered enclosed for the purpose of habitation, which allows carrying throughout.
All introductions, summaries, and contextual notes are the editor's commentary and are not part of the original text.אַלע הַקְדָּמוֹת, סִכּוּמִים, און הערות זענען דעם רעדאַקטאָר'ס באַמערקונגען און זענען נישט קיין טייל פונעם אָריגינעלן טעקסט.
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דִּין מָקוֹם שֶׁלֹּא הֻקַּף לְדִירָה בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 1 · The Status of an Area Enclosed for Purposes Other Than Habitation on Shabbos
מָקוֹםA placeשֶׁלֹּאthat notהֻקַּףwas enclosedלְדירָהfor habitationאֶלָּאbutשֶׁיִּהְיֶהthat should beתַּשְׁמִישׁוֹits useלַאֲוִירfor open spaceכְּגוֹןsuch asגַּנּוֹתgardensוּפַרְדֵּסִיםand orchardsוּכְגוֹןand such asהַמַּקִּיףone who enclosesמָקוֹםa placeמִןfromהָאָרֶץthe earthלְשָׁמְרוֹto guard itוְכַיּוֹצֵאand similarבָּהֶן.to themאִםifיֵשׁthere isבְּגֹבַהּin the height ofהַמְּחִצּוֹתthe partitionsעֲשָׂרָהtenטְפָחִיםtefachimאוֹorיֶתֶרmoreהֲרֵיbeholdהוּאitכִּרְשׁוּתis like a domain ofהַיָּחִידthe individualלְחַיֵּבto obligateהַמּוֹצִיאone who transfersוְהַזּוֹרֵקand one who throwsוְהַמּוֹשִׁיטand one who passesמִמֶּנּוּfrom itלִרְשׁוּתto the domain ofהָרַבִּיםthe publicאוֹorמֵרְשׁוּתfrom the domain ofהָרַבִּיםthe publicלְתוֹכוֹ.into itוְאֵיןand we do notמְטַלְטְלִיןcarryבְּכֻלּוֹin all of itאֶלָּאunlessאִם·כֵּן·יֵשׁthere isבּוֹin itבֵּיתan area ofסָאתַיִםtwo seahאוֹorפָּחוֹת.lessאֲבָלbutאִםifהָיָהthere wasבּוֹin itיֶתֶרmoreעַלthanבֵּיתan area ofסָאתַיִםtwo seahאָסוּרit is forbiddenלְטַלְטֵלto carryבּוֹin itאֶלָּאexceptבְּאַרְבַּעwithin fourאַמּוֹתcubitsכְּכַרְמְלִית:like a carmelit
This halacha defines the status of an enclosed area not meant for living, such as a garden, restricting carrying within it if it exceeds the size of two seah.
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דִּין טִלְטוּל בְּעַמּוּד וּבְסֶלַע שֶׁבַּיָּם בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 2 · Laws of Carrying on a Pillar and a Rock in the Sea on Shabbos
וְכֵןAnd soעַמּוּדa pillarשֶׁגָּבוֹהַּthat is highעֲשָׂרָהtenטְפָחִיםhandbreadthsוְרָחָבand wideעַדup toבֵּיתan area ofסָאתַיִםtwo seahמְטַלְטְלִיןwe may carryעַלonכֻּלּוֹ.all of itהָיָהIf it wasרָחָבwideעַלoverבֵּיתan area ofסָאתַיִםtwo seahאֵיןwe do notמְטַלְטְלִיןcarryבּוֹin itאֶלָּאexceptבְּאַרְבַּעwithin fourאַמּוֹת.cubitsסֶלַעA rockשֶׁבַּיָּםthat is in the seaהָיָהif it wasגָּבוֹהַּhighפָּחוֹתlessמֵעֲשָׂרָהthan tenמְטַלְטְלִיןwe may carryמִתּוֹכוֹfrom its midstלַיָּםto the seaוּמִןand fromהַיָּםthe seaלְתוֹכוֹinto its midstשֶׁהַכּלfor the wholeכַּרְמְלִית.is a carmelitהָיָהIf it wasגָּבוֹהַּhighעֲשָׂרָהtenאִםifהָיָהwasרָחְבּוֹits widthמֵאַרְבָּעָהfrom fourטְפָחִיםhandbreadthsעַדup toבֵּיתan area ofסָאתַיִםtwo seahהוֹאִילsinceוּמֻתָּרand it is permittedלְטַלְטֵלto carryבְּכֻלּוֹin all of itאֵיןwe do notמְטַלְטְלִיןcarryלֹאneitherמִתּוֹכוֹfrom its midstלַיָּםto the seaוְלֹאnorמִןfromהַיָּםthe seaלְתוֹכוֹ.into its midstהָיָהIf it wasיֶתֶרmoreמִבֵּיתthan an area ofסָאתַיִםtwo seahאַףevenעַל·פִּיthoughשֶׁהוּאthat it isרְשׁוּתa domainהַיָּחִידof the individualהוֹאִילsinceוְאָסוּרand it is forbiddenלְטַלְטֵלto carryבּוֹin itאֶלָּאexceptבְּאַרְבַּעwithin fourאַמּוֹתcubitsכְּכַרְמְלִיתlike a carmelitהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisמֻתָּרis permittedלְטַלְטֵלto carryמִתּוֹכוֹfrom its midstלַיָּםto the seaוּמִןand fromהַיָּםthe seaלְתוֹכוֹinto its midstשֶׁזֶּהfor thisדָּבָרis a matterשֶׁאֵינוֹthat is notמָצוּיcommonהוּאit isוְלֹאand they did notגָּזְרוּdecreeבּוֹ:on it
This halacha details the laws of carrying on elevated surfaces and rocks in the sea based on their height and surface area.
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מִדַּת בֵּית סָאתַיִם לְעִנְיַן מְחִצּוֹת שֶׁלֹּא לְדִירָהHalacha 3 · The Dimensions of a Two-Seah Area for Enclosures Not for Habitation
כַּמָּהHow muchהִיאisבֵּיתan area ofסְאָהa seahחֲמִשִּׁיםfiftyאַמָּהcubitsעַלbyחֲמִשִּׁיםfiftyאַמָּה.cubitsנִמְצָאIt turns outבֵּיתan area ofסָאתַיִםtwo seahמָקוֹםis a placeשֶׁיֵּשׁthat hasבְּתִשְׁבָּרְתוֹin its square areaחֲמֵשֶׁתfiveאֲלָפִיםthousandאַמָּה.cubitsוְכָלand anyמָקוֹםplaceשֶׁיֵּשׁthat hasבּוֹin itכַּמִּדָּהlike this measureהַזֹּאתthisבֵּיןwhetherשֶׁהָיָהit wasמְרֻבָּעa squareשֶׁהוּאwhich isשִׁבְעִיםseventyאַמָּהcubitsוְשִׁירַיִםand a fractionעַלbyשִׁבְעִיםseventyאַמָּהcubitsוְשִׁירַיִםand a fractionבֵּיןwhetherשֶׁהָיָהit wasעָגלroundבֵּיןwhetherשְׁאָרotherהַצּוּרוֹתshapesהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisנִקְרָאis calledבֵּיתan area ofסָאתַיִם:two seah
This halacha defines the exact mathematical area of a two-seah space, which is the maximum size permitted for carrying within an enclosure not made for dwelling.
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דִּין מָקוֹם שֶׁלֹּא הֻקַּף לְדִירָה בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 4 · The Law of an Area Enclosed for Purposes Other Than Habitation on Shabbos
מָקוֹםAn areaשֶׁלֹּאthat notהֻקַּףwas enclosedלְדִירָהfor habitationשֶׁיֵּשׁthat hasבּוֹin itבֵּיתa house ofסָאתַיִםtwo seahאִםifהָיָהwasאָרְכּוֹits lengthפִּיdoubleשְׁנַיִםtwoכְּרָחְבּוֹlike its widthכְּדֵיsoשֶׁיִּהְיֶהthat it will beמֵאָהone hundredעַלbyחֲמִשִּׁיםfiftyכַּחֲצַרlike the courtyard ofהַמִּשְׁכָּןthe Mishkanמֻתָּרit is permittedלְטַלְטֵלto carryבְּכֻלּוֹ.in all of itאֲבָלbutאִםifהָיָהwasאָרְכּוֹits lengthיֶתֶרmoreעַלthanשְׁנַיִםtwoכְּרָחְבּוֹlike its widthאֲפִלּוּevenאַמָּהa cubitאֵיןwe do notמְטַלְטְלִיןcarryבּוֹin itאֶלָּאexceptבְּאַרְבַּעwithin fourאַמּוֹת.cubitsשֶׁלֹּאfor notעָשׂוּdid they makeבֵּיתa house ofסָאתַיִםtwo seahשֶׁתַּשְׁמִישׁוֹwhose use isלַאֲוִירfor the open airכִּשְׁאָרlike otherהַחֲצֵרוֹתcourtyardsאֶלָּאexceptמֵחֲצַרfrom the courtyard ofהַמִּשְׁכָּן:the Mishkan
This halacha defines the permissible dimensions of an area of two seah that was not enclosed for habitation, based on the proportions of the Mishkan's courtyard.
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הֶתֵּר טִלְטוּל בְּמָקוֹם שֶׁהֻקַּף שֶׁלֹּא לְשֵׁם דִּירָה עַל יְדֵי פִּרְצָה וּגְדֵרָהּHalacha 5 · Permitting Carrying in an Area Enclosed Not for Habitation by Breaching and Re-fencing
מָקוֹםA placeשֶׁהֻקַּףthat was enclosedשֶׁלֹּאnotלְשֵׁםfor the sake ofדִּירָהhabitationאִםifפָּרַץone breachedבּוֹin itפִּרְצָהa breachיֶתֶרgreaterעַלthanעֶשֶׂרtenאַמּוֹתcubitsבְּגֹבַהּwith a height ofעֲשָׂרָהtenטְפָחִיםhandbreadthsוְגָדַרand fencedבָּהּin itלְשֵׁםfor the sake ofדִּירָהhabitationעַדup toעֲשָׂרָהtenמֻתָּרit is permittedלְטַלְטֵלto carryבְּכֻלָּהּ.in all of itוַאֲפִלּוּand evenפָּרַץif one breachedאַמָּהa cubitוּגְדָרָהּand fenced itלְשֵׁםfor the sake ofדִּירָהhabitationוּפָרַץand breachedאַמָּהa cubitוּגְדָרָהּand fenced itלְשֵׁםfor the sake ofדִּירָהhabitationעַדuntilשֶׁהִשְׁלִימָהּhe completed itלְיֶתֶרto greaterמֵעֶשֶׂרthan tenמֻתָּרit is permittedלְטַלְטֵלto carryבְּכֻלָּהּin all of itאַףevenעַל·פִּיthoughשֶׁיֵּשׁthere isבּוֹin itכַּמָּהseveralמִילִין:mil
This halacha explains how to rectify an area enclosed for purposes other than habitation so that carrying within it becomes permitted on Shabbos.
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דִּין מָקוֹם הַנִּזְרָע וְהַנָּטוּעַ וְהַנִּתְמַלֵּא מַיִם בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 6 · The Law of an Enclosed Area Sown, Planted, or Filled with Water on Shabbos
מָקוֹםAn areaיָתֵרgreaterמִבֵּיתthan a house ofסָאתַיִםtwo seahשֶׁהֻקַּףthat was enclosedלְדִירָהfor habitationאִםifנִזְרַעwas sownרֻבּוֹits majorityהֲרֵיbeholdהוּאitכְּגִנָּהis like a gardenוְאָסוּרand it is forbiddenלְטַלְטֵלto carryבְּכֻלּוֹ.in all of itנִזְרַעwas sownמִעוּטוֹits minorityאִםifנִזְרַעwas sownמִמֶּנּוּfrom itבֵּיתa house ofסָאתַיִםtwo seahמֻתָּרit is permittedלְטַלְטֵלto carryבְּכֻלּוֹ.in all of itוְאִםand ifהָיָהwasהַמָּקוֹםthe areaהַזָּרוּעַthe sownיֶתֶרgreaterמִבֵּיתthan a house ofסָאתַיִםtwo seahאָסוּרit is forbiddenלְטַלְטֵלto carryבְּכֻלּוֹ.in all of itנָטַעone plantedרֻבּוֹits majorityהֲרֵיbeholdהוּאitכְּחָצֵרis like a courtyardוּמֻתָּרand it is permittedלְטַלְטֵלto carryבְּכֻלּוֹ.in all of itנִתְמַלֵּאit became filled withמַיִםwaterאֲפִלּוּeven ifהָיוּthey wereעֲמֻקִּיםdeepהַרְבֵּהveryאִםifהָיוּthey wereרְאוּיִיןfitלְתַשְׁמִישׁfor useהֲרֵיbeholdהֵןtheyכִּנְטָעִיםare like plantingsוּמֻתָּרand it is permittedלְטַלְטֵלto carryבְּכֻלּוֹ.in all of itוְאִםand ifאֵינָןthey are notרְאוּיִיןfitלְתַשְׁמִישׁfor useאֵיןwe do notמְטַלְטְלִיןcarryבּוֹin itאֶלָּאexceptבְּאַרְבַּעwithin fourאַמּוֹת:cubits
This halacha details the laws of carrying in an enclosed area larger than two seah when it is partially sown with crops, planted with trees, or filled with water.
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קַרְפַּף שֶׁלֹּא לְדִירָה שֶׁקֵּרוּ בּוֹ וְנִפְרַץ לְחָצֵרHalacha 7 · An Enclosure Not for Habitation That Was Partially Roofed or Breached into a Courtyard
מָקוֹםAn areaשֶׁהֻקַּףthat was enclosedשֶׁלֹּאnotלְשֵׁםfor the purpose ofדִּירָהhabitationשֶׁיֵּשׁthat hasבּוֹin itבֵּיתan area ofשָׁלֹשׁthreeסְאִיןseahוְקֵרוּand they roofedבּוֹin itבֵּיתan area ofסְאָהa seahקֵרוּיוֹits roofingמַתִּירוֹpermits itשֶׁפִּיfor the edge ofתִּקְרָהa roofיוֹרֵדdescendsוְסוֹתֵם.and closes offנִפְרַץIf it breachedבִּמְלוֹאוֹin its fullnessלֶחָצֵרto a courtyardוְנִפְרְצָהand was breachedחָצֵרthe courtyardכְּנֶגְדּוֹ.opposite itחָצֵרthe courtyardמֻתֶּרֶתis permittedכְּשֶׁהָיְתָהas it wasוְהַקַּרְפַּףand the enclosureאָסוּרis forbiddenכְּשֶׁהָיָה.as it wasשֶׁאֵיןfor notאֲוִירthe open space ofהֶחָצֵרthe courtyardמַתִּירוֹ:permits it
This halacha discusses how roofing a portion of an oversized enclosure can halachically partition it, and how breaches between such an enclosure and a courtyard affect carrying permissions.
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מִעוּט שֶׁטַח הַמֻּקָּף לְיוֹתֵר מִבֵּית סָאתַיִםHalacha 8 · Reducing the Area of an Enclosure Larger Than Two Seah
הָיָהIf it wasיֶתֶרgreaterמִבֵּיתthan a space ofסָאתַיִםtwo seahוּבָאand he cameלְמַעֲטוֹto reduce itבָּאִילָנוֹתwith treesאֵינוֹit is notמִעוּט.a reductionבָּנָהIf he builtבּוֹin itעַמּוּדa pillarבְּצַדbesideהַכֹּתֶלthe wallגָּבוֹהַּhighעֲשָׂרָהtenוְרָחָבand wideשְׁלֹשָׁהthreeאוֹorיֶתֶרmoreהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisמִעוּט.is a reductionפָּחוֹתlessמִשְּׁלֹשָׁהthan threeאֵינוֹit is notמִעוּטa reductionשֶׁכָּלfor anyפָּחוֹתlessמִשְּׁלֹשָׁהthan threeכְּלָבוּדas connectedדָּמִי.is consideredוְכֵןAnd soאִםifהִרְחִיקhe distancedמִןfromהַכֹּתֶלthe wallשְׁלֹשָׁהthreeוְעָשָׂהand madeמְחִצָּהa partitionהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisמִעוּט.is a reductionפָּחוֹתlessמִשְּׁלֹשָׁהthan threeלֹאhe has notעָשָׂהdoneכְּלוּם:anything
This halacha discusses the methods of reducing the size of an enclosed area to make it permissible for carrying on Shabbos.
הל׳ ט
דִּין מִעוּט הַכֹּתֶל וּמְחִצָּה עַל גַּבֵּי מְחִצָּהHalacha 9 · The Law of Reducing a Wall and a Partition Built on Top of Another Partition
טָחplasteredאֶת—הַכֹּתֶלthe wallבְּטִיטwith clayאַףevenעַל·פִּיthoughשֶׁאֵינוֹthat it is notיָכוֹלableלַעֲמֹדto standבִּפְנֵיbyעַצְמוֹitselfהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisמִעוּט.is a reductionהִרְחִיקdistancedמִןfromהַתֵּלthe moundשְׁלֹשָׁהthreeוְעָשָׂהand madeמְחִצָּהa partitionהוֹעִיל.it is effectiveעָשָׂהmadeמְחִצָּהa partitionעַלonשְׂפַתthe edge ofהַתֵּלthe moundאֵינוֹit is notמוֹעִילeffectiveשֶׁהָעוֹשֶׂהfor one who makesמְחִצָּהa partitionעַלonגַּבֵּיtop ofמְחִצָּהa partitionאֵינוֹit is notמוֹעִיל.effectiveנִבְלְעָהsunkמְחִצָּהthe partitionהַתַּחְתּוֹנָהlowerוַהֲרֵיand beholdהָעֶלְיוֹנָהthe upperקַיֶּמֶת.remainsהוֹאִילsinceוְנַעֲשֵׂיתand was madeהָעֶלְיוֹנָהthe upperלְשֵׁםfor the sake ofדִּירָהdwellingוַהֲרֵיand beholdאֵיןthere is notשָׁםthereנִרְאֶהvisibleאֶלָּאexceptהִיאitהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisהוֹעִילis effectiveוּמֻתָּרand it is permittedלְטַלְטֵלto carryבְּכֻלָּהּ:in all of it
This halacha discusses how plastering a wall reduces its dimensions and the status of a partition built on top of a mound or another partition.
הל׳ י
טִלְטוּל בִּרְחָבָה שֶׁאֲחוֹרֵי בָּתִּיםHalacha 10 · Carrying in an Open Area Behind Houses Larger Than Two Seah
רְחָבָהAn open areaשֶׁאֲחוֹרֵיthat is behindבָּתִּיםhousesיְתֵרָהlargerעַלthanבֵּיתan area ofסָאתַיִםtwo seahאֵיןwe do notמְטַלְטְלִיןcarryבָּהּin itאֶלָּאexceptבְּאַרְבַּע.within fourוַאֲפִלּוּand even ifהָיָהthere wasפֶּתַחan entrance ofהַבַּיִתthe houseפָּתוּחַopenלְתוֹכָהּ.into itוְאִםand ifפָּתַחhe openedהַפֶּתַחthe entranceלְשָׁםto thereוְאַחַרand afterכָּךְthatהִקִּיפָהhe enclosed itהֲרֵיbeholdזוֹthisכְּמֻקֶּפֶתis like enclosedלְדִירָהfor habitationוּמֻתָּרand it is permittedלְטַלְטֵלto carryבְּכֻלָּהּ:in all of it
This halacha discusses the laws of carrying in a backyard area that exceeds the size of two seah, depending on whether it was enclosed before or after an entrance was opened to it.
הל׳ יא
טִלְטוּל בִּרְחָבָה הַפְּתוּחָה לִמְדִינָה וְלִשְׁבִיל הַנָּהָרHalacha 11 · Carrying in an Open Area Opening to a City and a River Path
רְחָבָהAn open areaהַפְּתוּחָהthat opensלַמְּדִינָהto the cityמִצַּדfrom sideאֶחָדoneוּמִצַּדand from sideאַחֵרanotherפְּתוּחָהopensלַשְּׁבִילto the pathהַמַּגִּיעַthat reachesלַנָּהָר.to the riverעוֹשֶׂהone makesלָהּfor itלֶחִיa postמִצַּדfrom the side ofהַמְּדִינָהthe cityוְיִהְיֶהand it will beמֻתָּרpermittedלְטַלְטֵלto carryבְּכֻלָּהּin all of itוּמִתּוֹכָהּand from its insideלַמְּדִינָהto the cityוּמִןand fromהַמְּדִינָהthe cityלְתוֹכָהּ:to its inside
This halacha discusses the method of permitting carrying in an open area that borders both a city and a path leading to a river by placing a post on the city side.
הל׳ יב
דִּין מְחִצָּה בְּבִקְעָה לְיָחִיד וּלְשַׁיָּרָהHalacha 12 · The Law of a Partition in a Valley for an Individual and a Caravan
יָחִידAn individualשֶׁשָּׁבַתwho spent Shabbosבְּבִקְעָהin a valleyוְעָשָׂהand madeמְחִצָּהa partitionסָבִיבaroundלוֹhimselfאִםifיֵשׁthere isבָּהּin itעַדup toבֵּיתan area ofסָאתַיִםtwo seahמֻתָּרit is permittedלְטַלְטֵלto carryבְּכֻלָּהּ.in all of itוְאִםand ifהָיְתָהit wasיֶתֶרmoreעַלthanבֵּיתan area ofסָאתַיִםtwo seahאֵינוֹhe does notמְטַלְטֵלcarryבָּהּin itאֶלָּאexceptבְּאַרְבַּעwithin fourאַמּוֹת.cubitsוְכֵןand soאִםifהָיוּthere wereשְׁנַיִם.twoאֲבָלbutשְׁלֹשָׁהthreeיִשְׂרְאֵלִיםJewsאוֹorיֶתֶרmoreעֲלֵיהֶןthan themשֶׁשָּׁבְתוּwho spent Shabbosבְּבִקְעָהin a valleyהֲרֵיbeholdהֵןtheyשַׁיָּרָאare a caravanוּמֻתָּרand it is permittedלָהֶםfor themלְטַלְטֵלto carryבְּכָלin allצָרְכָּןtheir needאֲפִלּוּevenכַּמָּהseveralמִילִין.milוְהוּאand this isשֶׁלֹּאprovided thatיִשָּׁאֵרthere does not remainמִןfromהַמְּחִצָּהthe partitionשֶׁהִקִּיפוּthat they enclosedבֵּיתan area ofסָאתַיִםtwo seahפָּנוּיvacantבְּלֹאwithoutכֵּלִים.utensilsאֲבָלbutאִםifנִשְׁאָרthere remainsבֵּיתan area ofסָאתַיִםtwo seahפָּנוּיvacantבְּלֹאwithoutכֵּלִיםutensilsוְלֹאand notהָיוּwere theyצְרִיכִיםneedingלוֹitאֲסוּרִיםthey are forbiddenלְטַלְטֵלto carryבְּכָלin allהַמְּחִצָּהthe partitionאֶלָּאexceptבְּאַרְבַּעwithin fourאַמּוֹת.cubitsוְאֵיןand does notהַקָּטָןa minorמַשְׁלִיםcompleteלְשַׁיָּרָא:for a caravan
This halacha details the dimensions and conditions under which individuals or a caravan spending Shabbos in an open valley may carry within a temporary partition.
הל׳ יג
קְבִיעַת שְׁבִיתָה בְּעֶרֶב שַׁבָּת לְעִנְיַן טִלְטוּל בִּמְחִצָּהHalacha 13 · Establishing Sabbath Residence at Twilight Determines the Permitted Area for Carrying
שְׁלֹשָׁהThreeשֶׁהִקִּיפוּwho enclosedכְּדֵיaccording toצָרְכָּןtheir needsוְקָנוּand establishedשְׁבִיתָהSabbath residenceוְאַחַרand afterכָּךְthatמֵתdiedאֶחָדoneמֵהֶןof themהֲרֵיbeholdהֵםtheyמֻתָּרִיןare permittedלְטַלְטֵלto carryבְּכֻלָּהּ.in all of itקָנוּIf establishedשְׁנַיִםtwoשְׁבִיתָהSabbath residenceבְּיֶתֶרin moreמִבֵּיתthan an area ofסָאתַיִםtwo seahוְאַחַרand afterכָּךְthatבָּאcameלָהֶםto themשְׁלִישִׁיa thirdאֲסוּרִיןthey are forbiddenלְטַלְטֵלto carryאֶלָּאexceptבְּאַרְבַּעwithin fourאַמּוֹתcubitsכְּשֶׁהָיוּas they wereקֹדֶםbeforeשֶׁיָּבוֹאthat cameזֶה.this oneשֶׁהַשְּׁבִיתָהbecause the Sabbath residenceהִיאitהַגּוֹרֶמֶתis the determining factorלֹאnotהַדִּיּוּרִין:the residents
The status of an enclosed area is determined solely by the number of residents present at the onset of Shabbos, and subsequent changes in population do not alter this status.
הל׳ יד
דִּין שְׁלֹשָׁה מְקוֹמוֹת הַמֻּקָּפִין שֶׁלֹּא לְשֵׁם דִּירָהHalacha 14 · The Law of Three Adjacent Enclosures Not Enclosed for Habitation
שְׁלֹשָׁהThreeמְקוֹמוֹתplacesהַמֻּקָּפִיןthat are enclosedשֶׁלֹּאnotלְשֵׁםfor the purpose ofדִּירָהhabitationזֶהthisבְּצַדbesideזֶהthisוּפְתוּחִיםand are openזֶהthisלָזֶהto thisשְׁנַיִםtwo ofהַחִיצוֹנִיםthe outer onesרְחָבִיםare wideוְהָאֶמְצָעִיand the middle oneקָצָרis narrowשֶׁנִּמְצְאוּso that there are foundלַשְּׁנַיִםfor the twoהַחִיצוֹנִיםouter onesפַּסִּיןpostsמִכָּאןfrom hereוּמִכָּאןand from hereוְהָיָהand if there wasיָחִידan individualבָּזֶהin this oneוְיָחִידand an individualבָּזֶהin this oneוְיָחִידand an individualבָּזֶהin this oneנַעֲשׂוּthey are madeכְּשַׁיָּרָאlike a caravanוְנוֹתְנִיןand we giveלָהֶםto themכָּלall ofצָרְכָּן.their needהָיָהif there wasהָאֶמְצָעִיthe middle oneרָחָבwideוּשְׁנַיִםand the twoהַחִיצוֹנִיםouter onesקְצָרִיםnarrowשֶׁנִּמְצָאso that there is foundהָאֶמְצָעִיthe middle oneבְּפַסִּיןwith postsמִשְּׁנֵיfrom its twoרוּחוֹתָיוsidesהֲרֵיbeholdהוּאitמֻבְדָּלis separatedמִשְּׁנַיִםfrom the twoהַחִיצוֹנִים.outer onesלְפִיכָךְthereforeאִםifשָׁבַתrested on Shabbosיָחִידan individualבָּזֶהin this oneוְיָחִידand an individualבָּזֶהin this oneוְיָחִידand an individualבָּזֶהin this oneאֵיןwe do notנוֹתְנִיןgiveלָהֶןto themכָּלall ofצָרְכָּןtheir needאֶלָּאratherכָּלeveryאֶחָדoneוְאֶחָדand oneיֵשׁhasלוֹfor himselfבֵּיתan area ofסָאתַיִםtwo seahבִּמְקוֹמוֹ.in his placeהָיָהif there wasיָחִידan individualבָּזֶהin this oneוְיָחִידand an individualבָּזֶהin this oneוּשְׁנַיִםand twoבָּאֶמְצָעִיin the middle oneאוֹorשְׁנַיִםtwoבָּזֶהin this oneוּשְׁנַיִםand twoבָּזֶהin this oneוְאֶחָדand oneבָּאֶמְצָעִיin the middle oneנוֹתְנִיןwe giveלָהֶןto themכָּלall ofצָרְכָּן:their need
This halacha discusses the conditions under which three adjacent enclosures not originally enclosed for habitation can be treated as a single caravan camp to permit carrying on Shabbos.
הל׳ טו
דִּינֵי מְחִצּוֹת הַכְּשֵׁרוֹת וְהַפְּסוּלוֹת לְשַׁבָּתHalacha 15 · The Laws of Valid and Invalid Partitions for Shabbos
כָּלAnyמְחִצָּהpartitionשֶׁאֵינָהּthat is notיְכוֹלָהableלַעֲמֹדto standבְּרוּחַin a windמְצוּיָהordinaryאֵינָהּis notמְחִצָּה.a partitionוְכָלand anyמְחִצָּהpartitionשֶׁאֵינָהּthat is notעֲשׂוּיָהmadeלְנַחַתto lastאֵינָהּis notמְחִצָּה.a partitionוְכָלand anyמְחִצָּהpartitionשֶׁאֵינָהּthat is notעֲשׂוּיָהmadeאֶלָּאexceptלִצְנִיעוּתfor modestyבִּלְבַדaloneאֵינָהּis notמְחִצָּה.a partitionוְכָלand anyמְחִצָּהpartitionשֶׁאֵיןthat does not haveבְּגָבְהָהּin its heightעֲשָׂרָהtenטְפָחִיםhandbreadthsאוֹorיוֹתֵרmoreאֵינָהּis notמְחִצָּהa partitionגְּמוּרָה.completeגִּדּוּדA mound ofחֲמִשָּׁהfiveוּמְחִצָּהand a partition ofחֲמִשָּׁהfiveמִצְטָרְפִין:combine
This halacha defines the physical requirements of a valid partition on Shabbos, including its stability, permanence, purpose, and minimum height.
הל׳ טז
דִּין מְחִצָּה שֶׁנִּפְרְצָה וְצוּרַת הַפֶּתַחHalacha 16 · The Law of a Breached Partition and the Form of an Entrance
כָּלAnyמְחִצָּהpartitionשֶׁיֵּשׁthat hasבָּהּin itפָּרוּץbreachedמְרֻבֶּהgreaterעַלthanהָעוֹמֵדthe standingאֵינָהּis notמְחִצָּה.a partitionאֲבָלbutאִםifהָיָהwasפָּרוּץbreachedכְּעוֹמֵדlike standingהֲרֵיbeholdזוֹthisמֻתֶּרֶת.is permittedוּבִלְבַדprovidedשֶׁלֹּאthat notיִהְיֶהthere shall beבְּאוֹתָןin thoseהַפְּרָצוֹתbreachesפִּרְצָהa breachשֶׁהִיאthat isיֶתֶרmoreעַלthanעֶשֶׂרtenאַמּוֹת.cubitsאֲבָלbutעֶשֶׂרtenאַמּוֹתcubitsהֲרֵיbeholdהִיאitכְּפֶתַח.is like an entranceאִםifהָיָהthere wasלְפִרְצָהto this breachזוֹthisצוּרַתa form ofפֶּתַחan entranceאַףevenעַל·פִּיthoughשֶׁיֵּשׁthat there isבָּהּin itיוֹתֵרmoreמֵעֶשֶׂרthan tenאֵינָהּit does notמַפְסֶדֶתinvalidateהַמְּחִצָּה.the partitionוְהוּאand it isשֶׁלֹּאprovided that notיְהֵאthere shall beהַפָּרוּץthe breachedמְרֻבֶּהgreaterעַלthanהָעוֹמֵד:the standing
This halacha defines the ratio of open to closed space required for a valid partition on Shabbos and the status of a doorway frame.
הל׳ יז
דִּין מְחִצָּה שֶׁהַפָּרוּץ מְרֻבֶּה עַל הָעוֹמֵד בְּפָחוֹת מִשְּׁלֹשָׁה טְפָחִיםHalacha 17 · The Status of a Partition with Breaches of Less Than Three Handbreadths
בַּמֶּהIn whatדְּבָרִיםwordsאֲמוּרִיםare saidבִּזְמַןat a timeשֶׁהַפְּרָצוֹתthat the breachesמִשְּׁלֹשָׁהfrom threeטְפָחִיםhandbreadthsוּלְמַעְלָה.and upwardsאֲבָלbutאִםifהָיוּwereהַפְּרָצוֹתthe breachesכָּלeachפִּרְצָהbreachמֵהֶןof themפְּחוּתָהlessמִשְּׁלֹשָׁהfrom threeהֲרֵיbeholdזוֹthisמֻתֶּרֶת.is permittedוְאַףand evenעַל·פִּיthoughשֶׁהַפָּרוּץthat the breachedמְרֻבֶּהis greaterעַלthanהָעוֹמֵד.the standingשֶׁכָּלfor anyפָּחוֹתlessמִשְּׁלֹשָׁהfrom threeהֲרֵיbeholdהוּאitכְּלָבוּד:is like connected
This halacha explains the principle of lavud, where gaps of less than three handbreadths are halachically considered closed, even if the total breached area exceeds the standing area.
הל׳ יח
מְחִצּוֹת קָנִים וַחֲבָלִים וְשִׁעוּר עֲשָׂרָה טְפָחִיםHalacha 18 · Partitions Made of Reeds or Ropes and the Minimum Height of Ten Handbreadths
כֵּיצַד.Howהֲרֵיbeholdשֶׁהִקִּיףthat he enclosedבְּקָנִיםwith reedsוְאֵיןand there is notבֵּיןbetweenקָנֶהa reedלַחֲבֵרוֹto its fellowשְׁלֹשָׁהthreeטְפָחִים.handbreadthsאוֹorשֶׁהִקִּיףthat he enclosedבַּחֲבָלִיםwith ropesוְאֵיןand there is notבֵּיןbetweenחֶבֶלa ropeלַחֲבֵרוֹto its fellowשְׁלֹשָׁהthreeטְפָחִים.handbreadthsהֲרֵיbeholdזוֹthisמְחִצָּהa partitionגְּמוּרָה.completeאַףevenעַל·פִּיthoughשֶׁהִיאthat it isשְׁתִיverticalבְּלֹאwithoutעֵרֶבhorizontalאוֹorעֵרֶבhorizontalבְּלֹאwithoutשְׁתִי.verticalוְצָרִיךְand he needsשֶׁיִּהְיֶהthat there shall beגֹּבַהּthe height ofהַקָּנֶהthe reedעֲשָׂרָהtenאוֹorשֶׁיִּהְיֶהthat there shall beמִןfromהָאָרֶץthe earthעַדuntilסוֹףthe end ofעֹבִיthe thickness ofהַחֶבֶלthe ropeהָעֶלְיוֹןthe uppermostעֲשָׂרָהtenאִםifהִקִּיףhe enclosedבַּחֲבָלִים.with ropesשֶׁאֵיןfor there is noמְחִצָּהpartitionפְּחוּתָהlessמֵעֲשָׂרָה.than tenוְכָלand allהַשִּׁעוּרִיןthe measurementsהָאֵלּוּtheseהֲלָכָהa lawלְמשֶׁהto Mosheמִסִּינַיfrom Sinaiהֵן:they are
This halacha explains how to construct a valid partition using reeds or ropes based on the principle of lavud, and establishes the minimum height of ten handbreadths as a law given to Moshe at Sinai.
הל׳ יט
דִּינֵי צוּרַת הַפֶּתַח לְעִנְיַן עֵרוּבִיןHalacha 19 · The Laws of the Frame of an Entrance for the Purpose of Eruvin
צוּרַתThe frame ofפֶּתַחan entranceהָאֲמוּרָהthat is mentionedבְּכָלin everyמָקוֹםplaceהִיאitאֲפִלּוּis evenקָנֶהa reedוְכַיּוֹצֵאand the likeבּוֹof itמִכָּאןfrom hereוְקָנֶהand a reedמִכָּאןfrom hereוְקָנֶהand a reedעַלuponגַּבֵּיהֶן.their topגֹּבַהּthe height ofשְׁנֵיthe twoהַלְּחָיַיִםside postsעֲשָׂרָהis tenטְפָחִיםhandbreadthsאוֹorיֶתֶרmoreוְהַקָּנֶהand the reedוְכַיּוֹצֵאand the likeבּוֹof itשֶׁעַלwhich is uponגַּבֵּיהֶןtheir topאַףevenעַל·פִּיthoughשֶׁאֵינוֹit does notנוֹגֵעַtouchבִּשְׁנֵיthe twoהַלְּחָיַיִםside postsאֶלָּאbutיֵשׁthere isבֵּינֵיהֶןbetween themכַּמָּהseveralאַמּוֹתcubitsהוֹאִילsinceוְגֹבַהּand the height ofהַלְּחָיַיִםthe side postsעֲשָׂרָהis tenהֲרֵיbeholdזוֹthisצוּרַתis a frame ofפֶּתַח.an entranceוְצוּרַתand the frame ofפֶּתַחan entranceשֶׁאָמְרוּthat they spoke ofצְרִיכָהneedsשֶׁתְּהֵאthat it beבְּרִיאָהstrong enoughלְקַבֵּלto holdדֶּלֶתa doorאֲפִלּוּevenדֶּלֶתa doorשֶׁלofקַשׁ:straw
This halacha defines the structural requirements for a 'tzuras hapesach' (the frame of an entrance) used to enclose an area for carrying on Shabbos.
הל׳ כ
צוּרַת פֶּתַח בְּכִפָּה וּמִן הַצַּדHalacha 20 · The Frame of an Arched Entrance and One Constructed at the Side
פָּתַחAn entranceשֶׁצּוּרָתוֹwhose shapeכִּפָּהis an archאִםifיֵשׁthere isבְּאֹרֶךְin the length ofרַגְלֵיthe legs ofהַכִּפָּהthe archעֲשָׂרָהtenטְפָחִיםhandbreadthsהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisצוּרַתis a frame ofפֶּתַח.an entranceוְצוּרַתand a frame ofפֶּתַחan entranceשֶׁעָשָׂהthat he madeאוֹתָהּitמִןfromהַצַּדthe sideאֵינָהּis notכְּלוּםanythingשֶׁאֵיןfor it is notדֶּרֶךְthe way ofהַפְּתָחִיםentrancesלִהְיוֹתto beבְּקֶרֶןin a cornerזָוִיתangleאֶלָּאbutבְּאֶמְצַע:in the middle
This halacha defines the structural requirements for an arched doorway and explains why a frame constructed at the side of a wall is invalid.
הל׳ כא
עֲשִׂיַּת מְחִצָּה מִכָּל דָּבָר בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 21 · Making a Partition from Any Substance on Shabbos
בַּכּלWith everythingעוֹשִׂיןwe may makeמְחִצָּהa partitionבֵּיןwhetherבְּכֵלִיםwith utensilsבֵּיןwhetherבָּאֳכָלִיםwith foodבֵּיןwhetherבְּאָדָםwith a humanאֲפִלּוּevenבִּבְהֵמָהwith an animalוּשְׁאָרand otherמִינֵיkinds ofחַיָּהbeastוְעוֹףand birdוְהוּאand it isשֶׁיִּהְיוּthat they must beכְּפוּתִיםboundכְּדֵיin orderשֶׁלֹּאthat they notיָנוּדוּ:move
The Rambam explains that any object, food, human, or bound animal may be used to form a valid partition on Shabbos.
הל׳ כב
מְחִצָּה הַנַּעֲשֵׂית בְּשַׁבָּת וְטִלְטוּל בָּהּHalacha 22 · A Partition Erected on Shabbos and Carrying Within It
מְחִצָּהA partitionהָעוֹמֶדֶתthat standsמֵאֵלֶיהָon its ownהֲרֵיbeholdזוֹthisכְּשֵׁרָה.is validוּמְחִצָּהand a partitionהַנַּעֲשֵׂיתthat is madeבְּשַׁבָּתon Shabbosהֲרֵיbeholdזוֹthisמְחִצָּה.is a partitionוְאִםand ifנַעֲשֵׂיתit was madeבִּשְׁגָגָהunintentionallyמֻתָּרit is permittedלְטַלְטֵלto carryבָּהּin itבְּאוֹתָהּon thatשַׁבָּת.Shabbosוְהוּאand thisשֶׁתֵּעָשֶׂהis provided that it is madeשֶׁלֹּאwithoutלְדַעַתthe knowledge ofהַמְּטַלְטֵל.the one who carriesאֲבָלbutאִםifנִתְכַּוֵּןintendedאָדָםa personלְזוֹfor thisהַמְּחִצָּהpartitionשֶׁתֵּעָשֶׂהto be madeבְּשַׁבָּתon Shabbosכְּדֵיin orderלְטַלְטֵלto carryבָּהּin itאַףevenעַל·פִּיthoughשֶׁעָשָׂהmadeאוֹתָהּitהָעוֹשֶׂהthe one who made itבִּשְׁגָגָהunintentionallyאָסוּרit is forbiddenלְטַלְטֵלto carryבָּהּin itבְּאוֹתָהּon thatשַׁבָּת.Shabbosוְכֵןand likewiseאִםifנַעֲשֵׂיתit was madeבְּמֵזִידintentionallyאַףevenעַל·פִּיthoughשֶׁלֹּאnotנִתְכַּוֵּןintendedזֶהthis personלְטַלְטֵלto carryבָּהּin itהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisאָסוּרis forbiddenלְטַלְטֵלto carryבָּהּ:in it
This halacha discusses the validity of partitions formed on Shabbos, distinguishing between those made unintentionally and those made with intent.
הל׳ כג
עֲשִׂיַּת מְחִצָּה שֶׁל בְּנֵי אָדָם בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 23 · Making a Human Partition on Shabbos
מֻתָּרIt is permittedלַעֲשׂוֹתto makeמְחִצָּהa partitionשֶׁלofבְּנֵיhumanאָדָםbeingsבְּשַׁבָּתon Shabbosשֶׁיַּעֲמֹדthat shall standזֶהthis oneבְּצַדbesideזֶהthis oneוּבִלְבַדprovidedשֶׁלֹּאthat notיֵדְעוּknowאֵלּוּtheseהָעוֹמְדִיןwho are standingשֶׁבִּשְׁבִילthat for the purpose ofלַעֲשׂוֹתָןmaking themמְחִצָּהa partitionהֶעֱמִידָן.he stood themוְלֹאand notיַעֲמִידshall standאוֹתָןthemאָדָםthe personשֶׁהוּאwhoרוֹצֶהwantsלְהִשְׁתַּמֵּשׁto useבִּמְחִצָּהpartitionזוֹthisאֶלָּאratherיַעֲמִידshall standאוֹתָןthemאַחֵרanotherשֶׁלֹּאwithoutלְדַעְתּוֹ:his knowledge
This halacha discusses the specific conditions under which human beings may be used to form a temporary partition on Shabbos.
הל׳ כד
מְחִצָּה הַנַּעֲשָׂה מֵאִילָן וְטִלְטוּל תַּחְתָּיוHalacha 24 · Using a Tree as an Enclosure and Carrying Beneath It
אִילָןA treeשֶׁהוּאthatמֵסֵךְshadesעַלoverהָאָרֶץthe groundאִםifאֵיןis notנוֹפוֹits foliageגָּבוֹהַּhighמִןfromהָאָרֶץthe groundשְׁלֹשָׁהthreeטְפָחִיםhandbreadthsמְמַלֵּאone fillsבֵּיןbetweenבָּדָיוֹits branchesוְעָלָיוand its leavesתֶּבֶןstrawוְקַשׁand stubbleוְכַיּוֹצֵאand similarבָּהֶןto themוְקוֹשְׁרָןand ties themבָּאָרֶץto the groundעַדuntilשֶׁיַּעֲמֹדthat it standsבְּרוּחַin a windמְצוּיָהordinaryוְלֹאand notיִתְנַדְנֵדit swaysוּמְטַלְטֵלand one may carryתַּחַתunderכֻּלּוֹ.all of itוְהוּאand thisשֶׁיִּהְיוּis that there isתַּחְתָּיוunder itעַדup toבֵּיתan area ofסָאתַיִם.two seahאֲבָלbutאִםifהָיָהit wasיֶתֶרmoreמִבֵּיתthan an area ofסָאתַיִםtwo seahאֵיןwe do notמְטַלְטְלִיןcarryתַּחְתָּיוunder itאֶלָּאexceptבְּאַרְבַּעwithin fourאַמּוֹתcubitsמִפְּנֵיbecauseשֶׁתַּחְתָּיוthat under itמָקוֹםis a placeשֶׁלֹּאthat was notהֻקַּףenclosedלְדִירָהfor dwellingהוּא:it is
This halacha explains how the hanging branches of a tree can form a valid partition for carrying on Shabbos, provided they are stabilized and the enclosed area is not too large.
Chapter Summaryסִכּוּם
The chapter begins by defining the status of an area enclosed for purposes other than habitation, explaining that while it is a private domain mid'Oraisa, the Sages forbade carrying within it if it exceeds the size of two seah (5,000 square amos), unless it is exactly twice as long as it is wide like the courtyard of the Mishkan. We then learn the halachos of elevated surfaces and rocks in the sea, where the Sages made specific decrees regarding carrying from them to the sea based on their size. Finally, the Rambam details the exact dimensions of a two-seah area and explains how one can halachically convert an area enclosed for other purposes into one enclosed for habitation by breaking down a portion of the wall and rebuilding it with the proper intent.
לְמַעֲשֶׂהWhat To Take Home
In this chapter, the Torah teaches us a profound lesson about the power of intention and purpose. We learn that a massive area, even if it is completely enclosed by walls, is restricted in how we can carry within it if it was not originally enclosed for the purpose of human habitation (shelo hukaf ledira). Yet, if even a small part of it is broken down and rebuilt with the explicit intention of making it a dwelling place, the entire space is transformed and elevated.
This is a powerful mashal for our daily avodah. A person can build beautiful walls in their life—they can have a nice home, a successful business, and a structured routine—but if these are just "open spaces" devoid of holy purpose, they feel empty and spiritually restricted. The moment you introduce a conscious intention for the sake of Heaven (leshem Shamayim) into your daily affairs, you transform the entire space. By making your home a place of Torah, or by using your business to do chesed, you turn a mundane enclosure into a true dwelling place for the Shechinah.
Today, take one ordinary, physical aspect of your day—whether it is eating a meal, driving to work, or cleaning your home—and explicitly say or think: "I am doing this to have the strength and peace of mind to serve Hashem." With this simple intention, you transform your entire day into a dwelling place for Hashem.