Q&A: Lavud
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Lavud
Question
In Babylonian Talmud, Shabbat 97a,
the Talmud looks for a source for lavud, and for the rule that in less than three handbreadths the public domain is also considered like supported ground. After searching for a logical source, the Talmud concludes: rather, this is a tradition we have learned.
What does that mean? That it lacks logic?
Answer
No. It is a tradition. There are several possibilities:
- A law given to Moses at Sinai (measurements, interpositions, and partitions).
- An exposition or ancient ruling whose source has been lost to us.
- An arbitrary determination, since the measure has to be cut off somewhere.
The first two possibilities reflect the dispute between Rashi and Maimonides regarding the expression “we have learned it as a tradition,” as explained by the Netziv in Kadmat Ha-Emek. Rashi always explains it as a law given to Moses at Sinai, while Maimonides sees it as an ancient exposition.
Discussion on Answer
I do
And who explains number 3?