Pisqa’ 2311
1
“You may not plow with an ox and an ass as one” (Dt.22:10)—
is it possible to say that this means “never?”
Yet, when he says:
“So that your ox and ass may rest” (Ex.23:12),
[it seems that] the ox and ass
have already been worked [together]!
If so, why is it stated:
“You may not plow with an ox and an ass as one” (Dt.22:10)—
that is, [yoked together] side by side .
2
“An ox and an ass” (Dt.22:10)—
I might infer only that
[the rule applies to] an ox and an ass.
How do I know to treat
other cattle, wild animals, and fowl
in the same way as the ox and the ass? 2
The Teaching states:
“You may not plow” (Dt.22:10)—
With any [combination of
incompatible work-animals]
If so, why does the verse specify:
“With an ox and an ass” (Dt.22:10)?
You may not plow with
an ox and an ass [as one],
But you may certainly plow with
a man and an ass!3
3
“You may not plow” (Dt.22:9)—
I might infer only that
plowing is covered by the rule.
How do I know to include
one threshing grain,
or sitting [in a wagon]4 and driving a team?
The Teaching states:
“As one” (Dt.22:9)—
[this refers to] any labor
[associated with the animal’s work].
R. Meir exempts from the rule
the one sitting [in a wagon].
“An ox and an ass as one” (Dt.22:9)—
this excludes the mule.
“An ox and an ass as one” (Dt.22:9)—
this excludes
one who ties his horse
to the side of a wagon
or behind a wagon [pulled by an ox],
and a Libyan ass,
[pulling a load] with camels.5