Sukka 18 a, b

Rabbi Meir and Rav Huna, son of Rav Yehoshua, attempt to understand why a particular sukka is fit when it has more than four handbreadths of unfit roofing.  They decide that because there is four by four handbreadths of fit roofing in the middle, the unfit roofing is invalidated. 

Abaye introduces ways that we can diminish the sukka that has a space of three handbreadths. He tells us to use the principle of lavud.  The rabbis argue over whether lavud can account for a space in the middle of a sukka.  Both rabbis look to halachot regarding carrying in an alleyway to provide rationale for their positions.  Halacha related to ritual impurity and corpses and sky lights is invoked to further discuss the use of the principle of lavud.

Rabbi Yehuda bar Elai  teaches that a house breached and then roofed over is a fit sukka.  Rabbi Yishmael son of Rabbi Yossei says to him, "my teacher, explain."  The reply: "This is how my father explained it:"  Four cubits between the wall and the breach make the sukka fit; less than four cubits leave the sukka unfit.  Rabbi Yehuda bar Elai teaches us more, this time about fish.  Abramis (small, mullet-like fish) are permitted.   Rabbi Yishmael, son of Rabbi Yosei, says again , "My teacher, explain."  He says, "this is how my father explained it: abramis from water with kosher fish are permitted; those found with unkosher fish are forbidden.  The rabbis then share some interesting, mostly antiquated ideas about why fish swim in different places.

The amorim disagree about whether or not a sukka is fit if it is a roofed portico without posts on the open side.  Abaye believe that the roof is fit because the walls extend and seal.  Rava says that the sukka is unfit because the walls do not extend and seal.  Abaye concedes, agreeing that the walls do not extend and seal in this particular circumstance.  Apparently the structure must be permanent and at least three walls must be standing so that people cannot inadvertently walk through the structure.

The Gemara compares this argument between Abaye and Rava regarding whether or not the walls descend and seal with that of Rav and Shmuel regarding a roofed portico.  Rav and Shmuel argue about whether or not the roof descends and seals, creating a private domain surrounded by partitions.  These definitions determine the functioning of people in and around those places.   

Today's learning leads me to imagine the rabbis creating these rules.  What a bizarre set of halachot!  Is this religion so much different than other religions with odd obligations and customs?   Although the rabbis identify multiple proofs for their arguments, it is tough to imagine the rabbis creating more seemingly arbitrary guidelines on how to live.