Friday, September 08, 2006

Daf Yomi - Sukkah 6 - Fruits of Eretz Yisroel as Measurements

The Gemara states that various halachos regarding measurements are derived from the verse that states a land of wheat and barley and vines and figs and pomegranates, a land of oil [producing] olives and [date] honey. Rashi on 5b writes that the verse is praising the fruits of Eretz Yisroel that serve as measures for various laws of the Torah. Reshash here corroborates the words of Rashi. Sfas Emes adds that a possible reason that the verse specifically praises the fruits of Eretz Yisroel is because they are easier to eat. There are other Achronim who rule similarly. Shiurin shel Torah, however, rules that we apply halachic measurements by using the fruits of each respective country.
It is worth noting that the Tosefta in Yoma states explicitly that when measuring the size of a date in regard to the prohibition of eating on Yom Kippur, we estimate with the dates found in Eretz Yisroel. Shemuas Chaim suggests that it is quite possible that regarding Yom Kippur, everyone is in agreement that we measure with the dates of Eretz Yisroel. The reason for this is that regarding Yom Kippur the deciding factor is whether one is satiated from what he has eaten and it would not be logical to presume that ones satiation is dependant on a respective location.

Take a moment to rate this post please

0 comments: