Daf 31 — Chullin 31 Summary

Chullin 31 – Good Morning Raboisai Length of the Knife Gemara: Mishna discusses: • If one cuts off the head in one motion Depends on the length of the knife רבי זירא אמר רבי זירא Knife must be: • Width of the neck + extra ( חוץ לצואר ) What does “extra” mean Two צדדים : • Exactly double the neck • Or just slightly more than the neck Proof Case: • Shechting two animals at once Mishna says: • Knife = one neck Problem If one animal needs “neck + extra” How can two animals need only one neck? Resolution “One neck” means: • One extra neck beyond the animals Therefore: • 2 animals = 2 necks • +1 extra Total = 3 neck widths Conclusion “Extra” = additional full width Not just a small amount Forward vs Back - and - Forth Motion אמר רב אשי Long knife required only when: • Cutting in one direction If cutting: • Back - and - forth ( מוליך ומביא ) Even a very small knife works יסוד Proper motion = slicing Length only needed for single stroke Decorative Knife ( קרניים ) Case: • Knife has protrusions (horn - like edges) Concern: • Might pierce instead of cut דין Problematic for שחיטה Because: • Not clean slicing Using a Needle Case: • Try to shecht using a needle Problem Needle causes: • דריסה (pressing/puncturing) Not valid cutting Even if scraping Back - and - forth with needle Still risks: • Puncture → invalid Special Needle (Leather Tool) Case: • Flat - edged needle used by leather workers Question Can it be used? Conclusion No clear proof Must be: • Proper cutting instrument Small Knife ( כל שהוא ) Mishna: Even very small knife כשר Clarification Refers to: • Proper כלי (knife) Not random sharp object Falling Knife Mishna: • Knife falls on animal Even perfect cut פסול Reason Requires: • כח גברא (human action) Not accidental If Person Dropped It If he released it intentionally כשר Even without intent to shecht יסוד Requires: • Human force Does NOT require: • Intent for שחיטה מחלוקת – Need for Kavannah • רבי נתן No need for intent • חכמים Require intent Case • Throwing knife at wall • It shechts animal רבי נתן → כשר חכמים → פסול יסוד According to רבי נתן : • Need intent to move knife • Not intent to shecht Parallel – Mikvah Case: • Person falls into mikvah מחלוקת • One view: No intent needed • Other: Requires intent חילוק – Levels of Taharah Lower level ( חולין ): • No intent needed Higher levels ( תרומה / קדשים ): • Require intent Proof – Hands in Water Case: • Person puts hands in water to grab fruit Hands become טהור Even without intent יסוד No kavannah required for חולין Limitation For higher קדושה Must have intent Final יסוד • Knife must allow proper slicing • Length depends on motion • Human force required • Intent for shechita → מחלוקת • חולין → no kavannah needed • קדשים → kavannah required Key Takeaways (English) • Knife must be longer than the neck being cut • Back - and - forth motion allows even a small knife • Proper shechita requires slicing, not piercing • Falling knife is invalid without human force • Dispute whether intent for shechita is required • Rabbi Nasan: no intent needed • Parallel concept in mikvah: intent depends on level • Chullin does not require intent; higher levels do Catch up, review, download previous Dafim & more: https://www.dafchazarah.co.uk Now available as an app (Apple, Google & Amazon): https://dafchazarah.co.uk/download Sponsor a day: https://dafchazarah.co.uk/sponsor To receive the daf summary daily join our group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/L4AiVVxQwYqLRh4RtMAlGE Daf Chazarah Bot (Request any PDF – past or current): Save the number +44 7427 857802 and message to get instant access Direct link: https://dafchazarah.co.uk/whatsapp לעילוי נשמת אמי מורתי רות בת הרב מנחם מנדל לע״נ הרבנית הצדקנית ממעזיבוז׳ מרת רחל בת מתתיהו ע״ה