Sunday 9 April 2017

Bava Batra 76: Acquiring a Ship

After yesterday's daf, not included in this blog because it was read on Erev Shabbat, and its information about what will be done with the Leviathan and other stories regarding G-d's might, today's daf is quite simple.

Rav and Shmuel argue about the sale of a ship.  All rabbis agree that pulling is a valid way to acquire a ship.  But what about documents?  If a person writes a promissory note, is that enough to exchange ownership of a ship?  The rabbis disagree about whether or not a bill of sale must accompany the promissory note to ensure a kosher sale.  They also discuss other possible means of acquisition, including pulling.  Pulling is a valid form of acquisition if it is done in an alleyway or in a courtyard belonging to both the seller and the buyer.  What about passing?  Passing is effects acquisition only when it takes place in the public domain or in a courtyard belonging to someone other than the seller or the buyer.  Are the rabbis suggesting that one must pull or pass the ship from one domain to another?    The rabbis also question the stringency with which a seller might adhere to these conditions.

The Gemara ends with the discussion of 'letters': promissory notes and bills of sale.  What is required to ensure that one has acquired a ship (or another item)?

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