13 Shabbat 8/5-7 & 9/1

(5) [One is liable if he carries out] sufficient earth [to make] a seal for a package [of merchandise], these are the words of Rabbi Akiva; but the Sages say: Enough [to make] a seal for a letter. Sufficient dung or fine sand to fertilize a cabbage-stalk, these are the words of Rabbi Akiva; but the Sages say: Enough to fertilize a leek. Sufficient coarse sand to fill a trowel of lime [the two materials were mixed]; sufficient reed to make a quill. And if [the latter] were thick or split [and unsuitable for a quill], sufficient [reed] to boil the lightest egg [that is] beaten and put in a [heated] pot.

(6) [One is liable if he carries out] sufficient bone to make a spoon. Rabbi Yehudah says: Enough to make the tooth of a key. Sufficient glass to scrape the top of a weaver's shuttle with; a clump of earth or a stone sufficient to throw at a bird. Rabbi Elieazer bar Yaakov says:Large enough to throw at an animal.

(7) [One is liable if he carries out] earthenware sufficient to place between boards [to space them], these are the words of Rabbi Yehudah; Rabbi Meir says: Enough to shovel fire [lit coals] with. Rabbi Yose says: Enough to receive [hold] a quarter [of a Log]. Rabbi. Meir says: Although there is no proof [to support] the matter [my approach], there is an allusion to the matter [for it is written], "There shall not be found among the pieces a sherd to take fire from the hearth" (Isaiah 30:14). Rabbi Yose said to him: [Will you bring] a proof from there? [Does not the sentence conclude with the words], "or to scoop water with out of the pit?"

(1) Rabbi Akiva said: From where [do we know that the carrying of] an idol imparts impurity like the carrying of a Niddah [a woman who has menstruated and is thereby impure] does? Because it states, "You shall cast them away as a menstruous woman, you shall say to it [the idol] get away from here," (Yeshaya 30:22). Just as the carrying of a menstruous woman imparts impurity, so does the carrying of an idol impart impurity.