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The Gemara (גמרא) asks why yoshein (sleeping damage) is a tolda rather than an av. The shiur develops a bold reading of the Rambam (רמב"ם): the only true av of adam is geneiva, which requires both physical action and intelligent intent (machshava to acquire). All other forms of damage—yado, gufo, yoshein—are merely toldos because they involve only physical action without the full engagement of human intelligence.
The Gemara (גמרא) in Bava Kamma 3a-b raises the question of why yoshein (sleeping damage) is classified as a tolda rather than an av of adam. The simple reading of the Gemara suggests that or (waking damage) is the av and yoshein is the tolda, similar in liability (tolda sama). Tosfos notes that the Gemara could have challenged this premise by citing sources that indicate yoshein is actually an av, but it doesn't do so, suggesting the Gemara accepts yoshein as a tolda. The shiur then examines Rashi (רש"י)'s commentary, which appears contradictory. Rashi uses both the term "gufo" (his body itself) suggesting an av, and "chayav" (liable the same) suggesting a tolda. This internal tension in Rashi requires explanation—if it's the gufo of adam it should be an av; if it's merely chayav like the tolda, then the reference to gufo is puzzling.
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Bava Kamma 3a-b
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