Leeks and stones TB Beitzah 36

The fifth chapter of our massekhet discusses some of the similarities and differences between Shabbat and Yom Tov. Some of the concepts discussed on our daf TB Beitzah 36 are strenuous exertion (טירחה יתרא) and monetary loss (הפסד ממון). While strenuous exertion is forbidden both on Shabbat and on the Festival, a little bit of exertion is permitted on the Festival and on Shabbat in some circumstances. Monetary loss allows for a leniency on the Festival, but not on Shabbat. The Mishnah on TB Beitzah 35b provides some examples.

“One may lower produce, which had been laid out on a roof to dry, into the house through a skylight on a Festival, in order to prevent it from becoming ruined in the rain. Although it is (not a very-gg I’ve added these words because lowering the produce through a window or walking them down a ladder is forbidden because that is considered a strenuous activity) strenuous activity, it is permitted do to so on a Festival in order to prevent a financial loss; however, one may not do so on Shabbat. And one may cover produce inside a building with cloths to prevent damage due to a leak in the ceiling over it, and similarly one may cover jugs of wine and jugs of oil for the same reason. And one may place a vessel beneath a leak in order to catch the water on Shabbat, to prevent it from dirtying the house.” (Sefaria.org translation)

Most of today’s daf discusses a premodern reality that does not impact modern life. For example, I don’t believe that very many farmers dry their produce on the roofs of the houses anymore. Even in modern homes, roofs have been known to leak and it’s good to know that one may not only place a bucket underneath the leak, but may also empty it and return it to continue to catch the dripping water. “A Sage taught in a baraita: If the vessel became full with the leaking water, he may pour out its contents, place the vessel back under the leak, and repeat the entire process if necessary, and he need not refrain from doing so.” (Sefaria.org translation)

There is an extended analysis of the debate between Ulla and Rabbi Yitzḥak whether a non-muktze item may serve a muktze item. Ulla says yes and Rabbi Yitzḥak says no. “Ulla said: And even a row of bricks that might be ruined by the rain may be covered to prevent damage. Although the halakha in the mishna mentions produce, it is not limited to that case, but extends to any item liable to be spoiled. Rabbi Yitzḥak said: It applies only to an item like produce, which is fit for use on the Festival, but not to items such as bricks, which are designated for building and are not fit for use on the Festival.” (Sefaria.org translation)

One of the examples used trying to prove Rabbi Yitzḥak’s position, but rejected, relates to a brand-new archaeological discovery in Jerusalem. “Come and hear another objection. It was taught in a baraita: One may spread a mat over stones on Shabbat, although stones are muktze. The Gemara responds: That baraita is speaking not of ordinary stones but of rounded [mekurzalot] stones, which are fit for use in personal hygiene in the lavatory on Shabbat, and are therefore not muktze.” (Sefaria.org translation) Modern commercially available toilet paper didn't originate until 1857, when Joseph Gayetty of New York marketed a "Medicated Paper, for the Water-Closet,” sold in packages of 500 sheets for 50 cents. At least during Talmudic times people used round smooth stones to clean themselves.

Recently a biblical era toilet was discovered along with perhaps air fresheners. To read all about it follow this link: https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/toilet-with-possible-air-fresheners-found-in-first-temple-period-jerusalem-1.10267998