Pisqa’ 257¹

1

“You should prepare a handy spot²beyond the camp” (Dt.23:13)—

Actually, handy spot implies a distinct place,

as it is stated [in other contexts]:

“And now he is setting up a handy spot” (1Sam.15:12).

And, moreover, He says:

“Each man at his handy spot, by his banner” (Nu.2:17).

“And you should go out from there beyond the camp” (Dt.23;13)—

[to defecate, but] not when you stand [to urinate].

“And you should pack a spike with your gear”³ Dt.23:14)—

actually, gear implies a distinct place for your weapons. ⁴

 

“And when you are finished, you shall return to cover your waste”

by digging with the spike” (Dt.23:14).⁵

Shall I infer that

he should dig with one spike and cover the waste with another?

The Teaching states:

“Digging with the spike” (Dt.23:14)—

[the same spike can be re-used].

2

R. Shimon says:

How do I know that

a person [in the Galilee]

should not turn his buttocks southward

[towards Jerusalem, while defecating]?⁶

The Teaching states:

“You shall return to cover your waste” (Dt.23:14).

1. H:256-257;JN2:185-186.
2. Heb: yad; literally, “hand.”
3. Heb: ‘azenekha; “equipment.”
4. Heb: zaynekha . See H:257, who emends ziyyunekha ( F:281, l. 8).
5. Cf. T. Meg. 4:25.
6. Cf. T. Meg. 4:26.