Beitzah 13,a

1- We gave a general overview of the basic premise of which melachos are permitted on Yom Tov.

See here where we spoke briefly about this.

The parameters:

A- On Yom Tov no melacha can be performed. The definition of a melacha is one of the 39 melachos that are prohibited on Shabbos.

B- The exception are melachos that are associated with the preparation of food.

The issue: Are all of the 39 melachos permitted when associated with the preparation of food?

There are a few opinions of this topic.

A- Rashi (23b) & Rambam (YT 1,5) . (23b) Any melacha which can be done before Yom Tov is not permitted to be done on Yom Tov. Such as harvesting, fishing, picking fruit.

B- Tosfos. (3a) Quotes a Yerushalmi which says that since the exception to food preparation (b above) is juxtaposed to the Mitzvah of ‘watching the Matzos’ (preventing them from becoming Chametz which commences at the time of kneading the dough), the Torah means to say that only melachos that begin at a stage of ‘kneading’ are permitted. Thus, harvesting, fishing, fruit picking, grinding are  prohibited Min Hatorah.

c- Other Rishonim. A melacha that is performed in bulk: Meaning that the work is not only in preparation for the food to be eaten on Yom Tov but also for the days following.

See Alter Rebbe where he combines a & c.

2- Our Mishna discusses the grinding of spices and salt. We discussed the opinions of Beis Shamai and Beis Hillel.

3- We reviewed the Tosfos that quotes the two opinions about grinding on Yom Tov and the poetic and rhyming conclusion.

4- We mentioned the wonderful idea of the Maggid from Amsterdam regarding the saying of Rava that ‘wine and spices makes one smart’.

Whereas while grinding spices is it advantageous to talk (as we say say daily ‘keshe hu shochek omer hodek heitev’) while handling wine the opposite is true. Remaining silent is beneficial to the quality of the wine.

A person needs to know that being smart is to know when to speak and when to keep quiet…..