Siman - Shabbos Daf 112
- Three cases of untying knots
The Gemara brings three Baraisos that seem to contradict each other, on the topic of untying the knots of shoes. The first one states that one is chayav a chatas, the second one states that he is patur aval assur, and the third states that it is mutar to do so . The Gemara answers that the three Baraisos are referring to different cases:
• The first case was referring to the straps of shoemakers. Rashi explains that when making the shoe, the shoemaker inserts a strap into the shoe and makes a permanent knot in order to prevent it from coming out. Since the knot is permanent, he is liable on a deoraisa level and is chayav a chatas.
• The second case was referring to knots made by the Rabbanon. The Rabbis did not tie their shoes tightly in order that they could easily slip them on and off, without needing to tie and untie them. They were not permanent knots because during the muddy season the Rabbis would untie them, and then tie them again, tightly, so that they would not be pulled off in the mud. Therefore, for untying these types of knots, which are not permanent but are similar to permanent knots, one is patur aval assur.
• The third case was referring the residents of Mechoza, who were fastidious in their dress and tied their shoes tightly for a snug fit, and untied them daily. Since the knots were not permanent, they were permitted to make.
- Two cases of broken sandal straps
The Gemara notes a seeming contradiction in two cases, involving Amoraim whose sandal straps broke, causing the sandals to come off. Rebbe Yirmiyah was told by Rebbe Abahu to take a moist reed that is fit for animal food, and thereby not muktzeh, and put it into the sandal in place of the strap. Abaye was told by Rav Yosef to not even touch the sandal since it has the status of muktzeh.
The Gemara clarifies that the incident involving Rebbe Yirmiyah took place in a karmelis was not guarded . Therefore, Rebbe Abahu was lenient in regards to muktzeh, and permitted him to move the shoe and put it on. In Abaye’s case, however, the sandal came off in a safe and guarded area. Therefore, Rav Yosef did not permit him to handle it.
- Appreciating the level of previous generations of talmidei chochomim
Rebbe Zeira said in the name of Rava bar Zimona regarding talmidei chochom: אם ראשונים בני מלאכים אנו בני אנשים – If the early ones of previous generations were sons of angels, we are sons of men ; ואם ראשונים בני אנשים אנו כחמורים – and if the early ones were sons of men, we are like donkeys. ולא כחמורו של רבי חנינא בן דוסא ושל רבי פינחס בן יאיר אלא כשאר חמורים – And not like the donkey of Rebbe Chanina ben Dosa and that of Rebbe Pinchas ben Yair, but rather like other donkeys.
