By November 3, 2008 Read More →

Mishnah Shabbat 23:1-2: Permitted Activities on the Sabbath

Greco-Roman Period
This section illustrates the many Mishnah passages stated anonymously in which ritual laws are prescribed. The Mishnah includes rulings for the Temple even though it had been destroyed before the redaction of the Mishnah (ca. 200 C.E.).

1 One may borrow jars of wine and jars of oil from his neighbor on the Sabbath, as long
as he does not say, “Lend me.” So too, a woman [may borrow] loaves of bread from her
neighbor. If [the lender] does not trust [the borrower], [the borrower] may leave his
garment with him, and settle the account after the Sabbath. So too, in Jerusalem, when
Passover eve is on the Sabbath, one may leave his garment with [the seller of sacrificial
animals] and take his Passover lamb, and settle the account after the Festival.

2 One may count how many guests and how many delicacies, [only] by mouth, but not
from a written document. One may cast lots among his children and the rest of his
household for the [food on the] table, but only as long as he has not intended to make
larger and smaller portions, for that would be like gambling with dice [on the Sabbath].
In the Temple, lots may be cast for sacrificial meat, but not for other portions.

167. Trans. S. Berrin.

Posted in: Uncategorized

Comments are closed.