Mishnah Kelim 17:2-3

Sugya Map

• Issue: The definition of "utility" regarding keli (vessel) status. When does a hole render a vessel tahor (clean/non-receptacle)?
• Nafka Mina: Whether a vessel must hold its "prime" intended object (e.g., warp-stoppers) or if residual utility (e.g., woof-stoppers) maintains tumah status.
• Primary Sources: Mishnah Kelim 17:2-3; Tosafot Yom Tov, Kelim 17:2; Rambam, Hilkhot Kelim 7:7.

Text Snapshot

Mishnah Kelim 17:2: "A skin bottle [becomes clean if the holes in it are of] a size through which warp-stoppers [can fall out]. If a warp-stopper cannot be held in, but it can still hold a woof-stopper it remains unclean."

• Leshon Nuance: The term "אע"פ" (even though) is notoriously vexing here. Does it signal a challenge to the tanna kamma or a continuation of a logic that defies standard syntax?

Readings

• Maharam mi-Rothenburg: Argues that the entire series of "אע"פ" clauses belongs to Rabban Gamaliel’s dissenting opinion. The tanna kamma (the Sages) holds that if it holds even the smaller item, it is tamei. Rabban Gamaliel argues it is tahor because nobody keeps a damaged vessel for such minor functions.
• Rambam: Interprets the text more fluidly: The vessel is tamei as long as it holds the object for which it is currently "fit" (appropriate). If the hole is too large for the warp-stopper, we check the woof-stopper. Utility is hierarchical.

Friction

• Kushya: Why is the language of the Mishnah so disjointed? If the Sages hold it is tamei because it is still "kept," why use the term "אע"פ" (even though), which implies a contrast?
• Terutz: As Rash mi-Shantz notes, the text is elliptical. The Sages require only the potential for utility to maintain tumah status. The "אע"פ" is a shorthand for: "Even though it is damaged, it remains tamei because it is still functional."

Intertext

• Parallel: This aligns with Mishnah Kelim 12:1, where the definition of a "receptacle" (beit kibul) is tied to the owner's intent to keep the object.
• Responsa: Shulchan Arukh, Yoreh Deah 200 (regarding mikveh measures) echoes the "moderate size" (beinoini) heuristics found in Mishnah Kelim 17:10 to determine objective standards in subjective scenarios.

Psak/Practice

The meta-halachic heuristic here is shimushei (utility). In contemporary hilkhot keilim, we define a "broken vessel" not by its perfection, but by whether a ba’al habayit (householder) would realistically discard it. If it remains functional for any standard purpose, the tumah persists.

Takeaway

Halakhic status follows utility, not perfection; a vessel is "whole" as long as it remains fit for the function the owner still demands of it.