Kilayim 4:3-4

Kilayim 4:3

Rabbi Yehuda says that the definition of a machol in the previous mishna – namely the empty space between a vineyard and its fence – is incorrect; that’s just the vineyard’s boundary. He defines a machol as the space between two vineyards. A fence must be ten handbreadths high (about 30 inches) and a ditch must be ten handbreadths deep by four handbreadths wide (about 30”x12”).

Kilayim 4:4

In order to be considered a valid partition, a partition made of reeds must have gaps smaller than three handbreadths (about nine inches), which is the size through which a kid (meaning a goat) could pass. A breach in a fence up to ten cubits in width (about 30 inches) is considered an entrance. If it is any larger than that, one may not plant opposite the breach. If a wall has many breaches in it, then if the standing portion exceeds the breaches, one may plant opposite the breaches. If the breaches exceed the standing portion, one may not plant opposite them.