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What is the melacha of mefarek - taking liquid out of its source? The shiur develops a fundamental distinction between squeezing liquid out (where you need the liquid) versus slicing and letting it flow (where you may not need it). This framework resolves several difficulties in the Rambam (רמב"ם)'s position on when one is liable for extracting blood or other liquids on Shabbos (שבת).
This shiur provides an in-depth analysis of the Talmudic discussion regarding the melacha of mefarek (extracting/separating) on Shabbos (שבת), focusing particularly on the extraction of blood and other liquids. Rabbi Zweig begins by examining the Gemara (גמרא)'s requirement that one must need the extracted liquid (dam) to be liable, and explores three possible approaches in understanding Tosafot's position: that it's melacha she'ein tzricha l'gufa, that it's mekalkel, or that it's not the melacha at all. The analysis then turns to significant difficulties with the Rambam (רמב"ם)'s approach. The Rambam holds that one is only liable for mefarek when one needs the extracted substance, otherwise it constitutes mekalkel (destructive activity). However, this creates several problems: First, regarding shechita (ritual slaughter), one should be liable for mefarek in addition to taking the animal's life, since shechita constitutes a constructive act. Second, the principle of mitoch (that which is permitted for necessity is also permitted when not for necessity) on Yom Tov should permit mefarek when not needed, yet this contradicts the Rambam's position. Third, there are contradictions regarding when liquids are considered mufkad u'pakid (deposited and ready to be removed) versus chibur mechaber (intrinsically connected).
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Kesubos 6a
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