Shabbat 18: Actions Permitted on Erev Shabbat

We are introduced to the Gemara from our last new Mishna, which taught us which actions are permitted on erev Shabbat even though they might permit labour to continue into Shabbat.  The rabbis wonder about what those actions are - what is soaking; what is kneading, for example.  Some of the examples that the rabbis use to further explore the Mishna include putting an eye salve on an eye and a bandage on a wound, allowing wounds to heal all day on Shabbat. 

Beit Hillel state that utensils are at rest on Shabbat according to Torah law.  Sulfur and incense were sometimes placed on coals under silver vessels and clothes, however, because the utensils themselves do not perform an action.  On the other hand, animal traps perform the action of trapping, unless they are fish hooks or nets.  But is this argued by Beit Hillel or Beit Shammai?  Perhaps Beit Shammai also permits active utensils.  

The Gemara turns to questions about preparing cooked food, even simply boiling water.  Some of their discussion includes:

• the possibility that people might stoke the coals that heat water to a boil
• whether or not foods will be added to the pot
• whether or not the oven or pot it sealed
• one may roast meat, an onion and an egg on erev Shabbat if they are roasted directly on the coals

We learn that Beit Shammai say: One may only sell items to Gentiles on erev Shabbat (or any of the other actions mentioned in yesterday's Mishna).  This is elaborated upon and Beit Shammai is said to have argued that a person may not sell his object to a Gentile and lend it to him and loan him money and give him a gift unless there is sufficient time for the Gentile to reach his home during the day.  Beit Hillel say that these things are permitted if he can reach his house beside the wall of the place he is going.  Rabbi Akiva says that there must be enough time for him to exit the entrance of the Jewish person's home.  The rabbis argue about which opinion is that of Beit Hillel.