705. How Far May One Carry in a Makom Patur or a Carmelis?

Shabbos 14:10

Holes in a private domain’s walls are part of the private domain. The status of holes in a public domain, are determined by their size. For example, holes on the side of a public domain that are four handbreadths by four handbreadths (about 1’x1’) and ten handbreadths high (about 30”) are a private domain. If they have the requisite length and width, but insufficient height, they are a carmelis (quasi-public domain). If they are smaller than four by four, they are a makom patur (exempt area). All this is when they are at least three handbreadths from the ground (about 9”). Anything lower than that is considered part of the ground.

Shabbos 14:11

One is allowed to carry throughout a private domain and a makom patur even if they are several miles long. In a public domain or a carmelis, however, one may carry only within four cubits. If one person carried something, then handed it to another person or threw it beyond four cubits in a public domain, he would be liable. He would not be liable in a carmelis because the prohibition against carrying in a carmelis is of rabbinic origin. This prohibition was enacted because a carmelis is similar to a public domain and the Sages were concerned that people would err. Therefore, if someone transferred an item that he did not require for its own sake, such as if he moved a thorn in a carmelis so that people would not injure themselves on it (and not because he needed the thorn), then the act is permitted, even if he transferred the thorn several cubits.