Q&A: Bava Kamma
Bava Kamma
Question
Hello Rabbi,
The Talmud in Bava Kamma 60a adds to the law in the Mishnah that a puddle also constitutes a barrier, and therefore the one who kindled the fire would be exempt.
According to Rav Beivai in the name of Rabbi Yohanan, the meaning of the word “shelulit” is a water channel.
According to Shmuel, the meaning of the word “river” is an irrigation ditch.
I didn’t understand what the practical difference is between an irrigation ditch and a water channel, and in which case, in the Rabbi’s opinion, is the broader exemption applied regarding someone who kindled a fire in his field?
Answer
Who says there is a difference? “Shelulit” is brought in the context of a barrier for pe'ah, not as a barrier for fire. It isn’t coming to add to the Mishnah, but to state another law of interruption regarding pe'ah. So it is possible that a shelulit and an irrigation ditch are the same thing.
Discussion on Answer
Those explanations of “shelulit” were said with respect to pe'ah.
At the beginning of the passage, the Talmud brings a baraita taught in accordance with Rav that refers to fire: “If it crossed a river or a puddle, he is exempt.” Then the Talmud brings a tannaitic source that refers to pe'ah, and there too the word “shelulit” appears.
According to Shmuel, “aritah de-dalai” is an explanation of the word “river,” and “water channel” is an explanation of “shelulit” according to Rabbi Yohanan. It can’t be that a puddle is the same as a river. So I wanted to clarify what the difference is between them.