It is permitted to place [the boards] closer to the well [and to form a small enclosure], so long as [from the edge of the well until the boards there are two cubits (the length of the head and most of the body of the cow), so that] the head and most of the body be within when it drinks, [but not less, lest he follow his cow and take the pail outside the enclosure.] It is permitted to place (the boards) farther, any distance, [to make the enclosure as large as he wishes], so long as he adds boards. [For the farther the distance from the well, the greater the space between the boards. He, therefore, must add boards so that the distance between board and board or board and dioamud be no greater than thirteen and a third cubits, as per R. Yehudah, whose ruling is followed.]
Bartenura on Mishnah Eruvin
מותר להקריב לבאר – the boards and to make a short circumference as long as there would be from the rim of the well until between the boards in order that the head and most of the body of the cow which is two cubits but not less than this, lest he be drawn after his cow and remove the bucket outside of the partition.
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English Explanation of Mishnah Eruvin
Introduction
This mishnah continues yesterday’s discussion of the enclosure around the well. Yesterday we talked about the posts set up to enclose the space. Today we talk about the proximity of the posts to the well itself.
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Bartenura on Mishnah Eruvin
מותר להרחיק כל שהוא – to make a larger partition like what his heard desires.
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English Explanation of Mishnah Eruvin
It is permitted to bring [the posts] close to the well, provided that a cow’s head and the greater part of its body can be within [the enclosure] when drinking. Some people might not want to make the enclosure to large since a large enclosure would overly interfere with the passing traffic in the public domain. The mishnah allows them to bring the posts in close to the well as long as a single cow can fit its head and most of its body within the enclosure when drinking. The Talmud explains that this is two cubits. More than this amount and there may be a problem of carrying from the private domain to the public domain.
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Bartenura on Mishnah Eruvin
ובלבד שירבה בפסין – as long as he increases the boars, for all while he distances himself from the cistern, the space increases between the boards and he needs to increase the boards so that there won’t be between each and every plain board [and between a plain board and a corner-piece more than thirteen and one-third cubits according to the words of Rabbi Yehuda, and the Halakha is according to him.
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English Explanation of Mishnah Eruvin
It is permitted to remove [the posts] to any [distance] provided one increases the posts. They can move the posts as far away from the well as they wish, as long as they increase the number or size of posts so that there remains no gap greater than either 10 cubits (Rabbi Meir) or 13 1/3 cubits (Rabbi Judah), as explained in yesterday’s mishnah.
