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Summary

Now we come to the subject of “schach mats”, these require a hechsher to ensure they weren’t made for any other purpose [13.6].

Mishna:

A large reed mat: If it was made to lie down on it, it is mekabel tumah and cannot be used for schach.

If it was made to cover merchandise or the like, it can be used as schach and it is not mekabel tumah.

[But small mats are always made as seats and can never be used, no matter what they say].

Rabbi Eliezer: Whether the mat is big or small: If it was made to lie down on it, it is mekabel tumah and cannot be used for schach.

If it was made to cover merchandise or the like, it can be used as schach and it is not mekabel tumah.

Gemara:

Challenge: The mishna seems to contradict itself!

You say that “If it was made to lie down on it, it cannot be used”, so we understand that if it was not known to be made with that intention, it’s kosher.

But then you say that “If it was made to cover, it can be used”, so it seems that only if it was made with this specific intention, it’s kosher?! This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewishpodcasts/donate