1. A quarter-log[760] of water is poured on the hands of one person; also on the hands of two persons. Half a log on three or four. From a log for five, ten, or even 100 (persons). R. José says, “provided there be not less for the last than a quarter-log.” Men may add (water) for the second washing,[761] but they must not add it for the first.
2. They may put water for hands in all vessels, even in vessels of dung or vessels of stone or vessels of earth. But they must not pour it on hands out of the (broken) sides of vessels or the bottom of a tub or the bung of a cask. Nor may one give it to his neighbor out of the hollow of his hand: because they must not draw or consecrate, or sprinkle the water of purification, or put it on hands, except it be in a vessel. They can only preserve vessels by the covering bound[762] upon them. Nor can they preserve from uncleanness water in open earthen vessels,[763] only in (covered) vessels.
3. Water which is unfit for animals to drink, is unfit (for washing) in vessels; but on the ground it is fit. If ink, gum, [pg 291] or vitriol black drop into it, and its color be changed, it is unfit. If one made use of it, or soaked his bread in it, it is unfit. Simeon the Temanite said, “even if he intended to soak it in one vessel and it dropped into another, it is fit.”
4. If one rinsed vessels in it, or rinsed out measures, it is unfit. If one rinsed in it vessels already washed, or new ones, it is fit. R. José “disallows it for new vessels.”
5. Water in which the baker had dipped rolls, is unfit; but if he only dipped in his hands, it is fit. All are allowed to pour water on hands, even one deaf, an idiot, or a minor. A man may rest a cask between his knees and pour it. He may incline the barrel on its side and pour it. An ape may pour water on hands. R. José “disallows these two cases.”
Chapter II
1. “If one poured on his hand one gush?” “His hand is clean.” “If on both hands one gush?” R. Meier pronounces them “unclean, until one poured out of a quarter-log (vessel) upon them.” “If a heave-loaf fall (on the water)?” “It is clean.” R. José “pronounces it unclean.”
2. “If one poured out his first (ablution) in one place, and his second in another place, and a heave-loaf fall on the first?” “It is unclean.” “If on the second?” “It is clean.” “If one poured out both the first and second (ablutions) into one place, and a heave-loaf fall on them?” “It is unclean.” “If one poured out his first ablution, and find on his hand a splinter or small stone?” “His hands are unclean, as the second water only purifies the first washing on the hand.”[764] R. Simon, the son of Gamaliel, says, “whatsoever is a creation of the water is clean.”
3. The hands become legally unclean, or legally clean up to the wrist. “How?” “If one poured the first (ablution) up to the wrist, and the second above the wrist, and the water ran back into the hand?” “It is clean.” “If one poured the first and second (ablutions) above the wrist, and the water ran back into the hand?” “It is unclean.” “If one poured the first (ablution) over one hand, and afterward the second [pg 292] over both hands?” “They are unclean.” “If one poured the first (ablution) over both hands, and afterward the second over one hand?” “His hand is clean.” “If one poured water on one hand and then rubbed it against its fellow?” “It is unclean.” “If he rubbed it against his head, or against the wall?” “It is clean.” Men may pour water over four or five persons alongside of each other, or above each other, provided they be separated, so that the water can come on them.