Friday, September 13, 2019

Now you will understand the Gaon

Parshas Hashavua   



ויתד תהיה לך על אזנך (דברים כ"ג: י"ד


In the times of the second Bais Hamikdash, there were many different kinds of sects and cults in the Jewish community. One of the cults were the ”Issi’im” whom Chazal called  “טובלי שחרית”. (went to the Mikveh every morning).

They claimed,  because of their holy lifestyle to be prophets and therefore marriage was forbidden. The cult didn’t survive too long  because they had no children.


They considered טהרה and hygiene as one and were very strict about it. They went to the Mikveh several times a day. They went to the Mikveh before the meals, after relieving themselves and if they touched someone who was from a lower cast of the four groups.


Joining  the cult took a few years. There were four groups a) children b) first year in training c) additional two years training d) full-fledged members.
Once one had graduated to full member status they presented him with white clothing, an apron to cover themselves when relieving
themselves and a shovel to cover it up in the ground.


They had many Chumros in Hilchos Shabbos. They held that all utensils even a  כלי שמלאכתו להיתר are Muktzah. Shovels which are מלאכתו לאיסור was for sure Muktza even when used לצורך גופו.

They would not use the washroom the whole Shabbos because they couldn’t use the shovel.


Now that you know this piece of history you will understand the Gaon on the last Tosefta in Meseches Yodayim ועיין שם



אוצר ישראל (אייזנשטיין) איסיים P 295

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