2,775. The Ongoing Saga of Reuvein and Shimon

Continuing the case of Reuvein, who is prohibited to benefit from Shimon.

Hilchos Nedarim 6:9

If Reuvein’s animal gets sick, Shimon may not treat it, but he may advise Reuvein as to how to proceed. Shimon may wash with Reuvein in a large tub but not in a small tub, because doing so would benefit Reuvein by raising the water level. Reuvein and Shimon might sleep in the same bed in the summer, but not in the winter because doing so would warm Reuvein, which is a form of benefit. The two may sit on the same couch and eat at the same table, but not eat from the same plate or from the same communal food that is given to workers; this is out of concern that Shimon might abstain from eating a nice piece of meat or move it closer to Reuvein, thereby benefitting him. The same applies to communal produce. Shimon may, however, eat from a plate even if he knows that the host will give it to Reuvein next. In such a case we are not concerned that Shimon might leave a nice piece for Reuvein.

Hilchos Nedarim 6:10

Reuvein may drink a cup of consolation of his own wine from Shimon’s hand, and he may accept the cup of hot water from him in the bathhouse, because this is not considered benefit.