Man darf einen Ofen nicht in einem Haus stehen, es sei denn, es gibt eine Höhe von vier Ellen [von der Ofenmündung bis zur Decke] von vier Ellen, [damit die Decke kein Feuer fängt.] Wenn er einen Ofen in einem Obergeschoss stand Darunter muss sich eine [Ton-] Pflasterung mit drei Handbreiten befinden, [damit die untere Decke (dh der Boden) kein Feuer fängt; und eine Höhe von vier Ellen darüber.] Und mit einer Kirah [auf die ein Topf gestellt wird, in dem kein großes Feuer gemacht wird wie in einem Ofen], eine Handbreite. Und wenn er Schaden angerichtet hat [nachdem er alle oben genannten Vorschriften beachtet hat], zahlt er die Höhe des Schadens, [obwohl er gezwungen ist, diese Vorschriften einzuhalten, damit er seinen Nachbarn keinen Brandschaden zufügt und nicht weiß, was er tun soll zahlen.] R. Shimon sagt: Alle diese Vorschriften wurden nur angegeben, damit er von der Zahlung befreit ist, wenn er Schaden angerichtet hat (nachdem er sie beobachtet hat). [Die Halacha stimmt nicht mit R. Shimon überein.]
Bartenura on Mishnah Bava Batra
גובה דא אמות – the space from the lip of the oven until the ceiling, in order that the fire not ignite the ceiling.
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English Explanation of Mishnah Bava Batra
Introduction
Mishnah two deals with placing an oven or other cooking device in a house in a fashion that will not cause damage to the house.
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Bartenura on Mishnah Bava Batra
עד שיהא תחתיו מעזיבה – [plaster of] clay three handbreadths, so that the lower ceiling of the attic not burn, and above it a space of four cubits.
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English Explanation of Mishnah Bava Batra
One may not set up an oven inside a house unless there is a space of four cubits above it. If he sets it up in the upper room, the flooring beneath it must be three handbreadths deep, or for a stove one handbreadth. Section one sets up specifications for placing an oven or a stove inside a house, either on the first floor or on the second floor (the upper room). Note that a stove causes less heat than an oven.
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Bartenura on Mishnah Bava Batra
ובכירה – they place the pot on its cavity/space and they don’t make it in a large fire as they do for an oven.
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English Explanation of Mishnah Bava Batra
And if it causes damage [to the floor] he must pay for the damage caused. Rabbi Shimon says: “They only mentioned these measurements so that if the object caused damage he would be exempt.” Section two contains a dispute between the anonymous opinion and Rabbi Shimon with regards to the ramifications of the distances mentioned in this and the previous mishnah. According to the first opinion, while a person must observe these restrictions, even if he does so he will still be obligated to make restitution if his property damages someone else’s property. According to Rabbi Shimon, if one follows the restrictions, and properly distances his potentially damaging property from another person’s property, he will be exempt if it causes damage.
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Bartenura on Mishnah Bava Batra
ואם הזיק – after there were there all of these measurements,
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English Explanation of Mishnah Bava Batra
Questions for Further Thought: • According to the anonymous opinion is section 2, even if a person properly distances his damaging things from another’s property he will still be obligated for subsequent damages. Why then does the mishnah mention how far these mentioned things must be distanced?
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Bartenura on Mishnah Bava Batra
he pays for the damage that he caused, and nevertheless, they prevent him with all of these measurements lest he kindle their homes, and he doesn’t have what with to pay. But the Halakha is not according to Rabbi Shimon.
