Topics covered:
Minimum measures for ink, dried figs and lime. Do half measures of dried figs add up to create liability for violating Shabbos if carried out in separate trips? Sometimes yes. From this we learn that we have to examine our deeds very carefully, because small, “innocent” negligences can add up to improper behavior that may even be sinful. Lime can be used – and misused – as a feminine product. Rav Beivai’s neighbor was envious and tried to copy a behavior he did not understand, with tragic results. Rav Nachman was compassionate and diplomatic. Chapter 8, Mishnah 3 includes minimum meaasures of earth, fine sand and coarse sand. The last is measured by its use in plaster, and we learn that we leave a square cubit of of our house unplastered because we mourn the loss of the Holy Temple.