Bava Kamma 38a
Be Careful How You Explain
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Passage Content
The officials’ reasoning was that this halacha is difficult
whichever way you look at it. If the phrase “of another” is
meant in a precise manner, that the owners of both oxen must
both be Jewish, then even when the ox of a gentile gores the
ox of a Jew the owner of the ox should be exempt from liability.
And if the phrase “of another” is not meant in a precise manner,
and the oxen of all are included, then even when the ox of a Jew
gores the ox of a gentile the owner should be liable. They added:
But we will not inform this matter to the kingdom;
having acknowledged that the entire Torah is true,
we will not reveal this ruling, as it will displease the kingdom.
whichever way you look at it. If the phrase “of another” is
meant in a precise manner, that the owners of both oxen must
both be Jewish, then even when the ox of a gentile gores the
ox of a Jew the owner of the ox should be exempt from liability.
And if the phrase “of another” is not meant in a precise manner,
and the oxen of all are included, then even when the ox of a Jew
gores the ox of a gentile the owner should be liable. They added:
But we will not inform this matter to the kingdom;
having acknowledged that the entire Torah is true,
we will not reveal this ruling, as it will displease the kingdom.