Siman - Shabbos Daf 81
- The number of stones used for wiping
The Gemara relates that when Zonin came to the beis midrash he asked, which size stones are used for wiping one’s self after going to the bathroom. Rashi explains that knowing these sizes, will determine the size that is forbidden to carry on Shabbos since they have a use. It will also determine the size of stones that one may carry in his courtyard, and not be concerned with muktzeh, being that they are set aside to use. They answered that one takes three stones; the first the size of an olive, the second the size of a nut, and the third the size of an egg.
Zonin was surprised, and asked if one was expected to bring in a scale to the bathroom to weigh the stones? After some discussion, they concluded that the measure of stones is a handful, regardless of size or number.
The Gemara brings additional opinions regarding which stones are used.
- Carrying the stones up to the roof for kavod habrios
Rabbah bar Rav Shila asked Rav Chisda what the halachah was concerning whether one is permitted to carry the stones with him to his roof, if he wishes to relieve himself there. Rashi explains that Rabbah bar Rav Shila was asking if it should be prohibited because of טירחה יתירתא - extra exertion.
Rav Chisda answered גדול כבוד הבריות שדוחה את לא תעשה שבתורה, - human dignity is so great that it even suspends a Torah prohibition. Rashi explains that just as the Torah permits a talmid chochom to not pick up lost objects that are below his dignity, despite the Torah prohibition to not ignore returning lost objects, so too here, one is allowed to take the stones up to the roof to preserve human dignity. Even though muktzeh is a Rabbinic prohibition, it is rooted in the Torah prohibition of לא תסור, - do not deviate from the words of the Sages.
- The problem of wiping oneself in a plowed field
Rav Huna said it is forbidden for one to relieve himself in a freshly plowed field on Shabbos, out of concern that the person will take a stone from the ridge of a furrow, and after using it, he will throw it inside, and through flattening out the field, he will be liable for a toldah of plowing.
Rashi explains that when one levels a furrow in a field, it is considered the melacha of plowing because he is preparing the ground for planting.
