Ein Baum ist fünfundzwanzig Ellen von einer Grube entfernt; und ein Johannisbrotbaum und eine Bergahorn [deren Wurzeln reichlich sind], fünfzig Ellen—ob von oben [dh ob einer von ihnen oben auf einer Bergsteigung und der andere unten] oder seitlich [auf ebenem Boden]. Wenn die Grube (dort) zuerst war, schneidet er (der Grubenbesitzer) (den Baum) und entschädigt (seinen Besitzer). [Denn da er pflanzen durfte und erst nach langer Zeit Schaden anrichtete, zwangen ihn die Weisen nicht, seinen Baum ohne Entschädigung zu fällen, weil er einem Individuum Schaden zufügen könnte.] Und wenn der Baum vorher kam die Pflanze darf er (der Grubenbesitzer) nicht abschneiden. Wenn nicht bekannt wäre, was zuerst kam, kann er es nicht abschneiden. R. Yossi sagt: Selbst wenn die Grube vor dem Baum kam, darf er sie nicht fällen; denn der eine gräbt in seinem eigenen (Land) und der andere pflanzt in seinem eigenen (Land). [Die Halacha stimmt mit R. Yossi überein.]
Bartenura on Mishnah Bava Batra
ובחרוב ובשקמה – their roots are numerous.
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English Explanation of Mishnah Bava Batra
Introduction
Mishnah eleven deals with distancing trees from cisterns lest the roots break the underground walls of the cisterns.
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Bartenura on Mishnah Bava Batra
בין מלמעלה – because one of them is above in height of the slope of the mountain.
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English Explanation of Mishnah Bava Batra
A tree may not be grown within twenty five cubits of a cistern, or within fifty cubits if it is a carob or a sycamore, whether it is higher or on the same level. Section one prohibits one from planting a tree either twenty five or fifty cubits, depending on the type of tree, from another’s cistern lest the roots damage the cistern. This is true whether the tree is on higher or equal ground to the cistern.
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Bartenura on Mishnah Bava Batra
בין מן הצד – on level ground.
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English Explanation of Mishnah Bava Batra
If the cistern was there first the tree shall be cut down and compensation given. If the tree was there first it shall not be cut down. If it is in doubt which was there first, the tree shall not be cut down. Rabbi Yose says: “Even if the cistern was there before the tree it should not be cut down, since this one dug within his own domain and the other planted within his own domain.” Section two deals with the consequences of a tree that was planted closer than twenty five or fifty cubits. If the cistern was there first, the tree must be cut down, but the owner will receive compensation. Even though he was not supposed to plant there, it is still his property and therefore he is paid for the loss of the tree. However, the cistern owner can at least take the initiative and force him to remove his tree. If, however, the tree was there first, the owner of the cistern cannot even force the tree owner to remove the tree. If it is unclear which is there first, the tree is not removed. Rabbi Yose has a different opinion. According to him, so long as each person’s activities are confined to his property, the other cannot force him to remove the potentially offending object, in this case a tree. Rabbi Yose is what we might in our time call a right to privacy advocate.
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Bartenura on Mishnah Bava Batra
ונותן דמים – for since he planted with permission, that he doesn’t damage until a great time [passes], the Sages did not require him to cut it down without payment because of the wind/blast of an individual [tree].
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English Explanation of Mishnah Bava Batra
Questions for Further Thought • In mishnah seven we discussed a similar issue to this mishnah. What are the differences between the two mishnayoth and why do you think they exist?
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Bartenura on Mishnah Bava Batra
רבי יוסי אומר – And the Halakha is according to Rabbi Yosi.
