Keilim 12:2-3

Keilim 12:2

The beam of the scale used by those who comb wool is susceptible to ritual impurity because of the hooks (which hold the wool); regarding such a household device, if it has hooks, it is also susceptible. The hooks used by porters are insusceptible to ritual impurity but those used by peddlers are susceptible. In the case of peddlers, Rabbi Yehoshua says that the hook that goes in front of them is susceptible to impurity but the one that goes behind them is insusceptible. The hook of a couch is susceptible to ritual impurity but the hooks of bed poles are insusceptible. The hook of a chest is susceptible to impurity but the hook of a fish trap is insusceptible. The hook of a table is susceptible to impurity but the hook of a wooden lamp is insusceptible. The general rule is that a hook attached to a susceptible utensil is susceptible to ritual impurity and a hook attached to an insusceptible utensil is insusceptible. Each of the aforementioned hooks, however, is insusceptible on its own.

Keilim 12:3

Rabban Gamliel says that the metal cover of a basket used by homeowners is susceptible to ritual impurity, though the Sages say that it is insusceptible; all agree that the metal cover of a basket used by of physicians is susceptible. The door of a homeowner’s cupboard is insusceptible to ritual impurity but that of physicians is susceptible. Movable tongs are susceptible to impurity but attached tongs are insusceptible. The scorpion-shaped hook of an olive press is susceptible to ritual impurity but the hook on its walls is insusceptible.