Shabbat 48: Predicting Wringing a Wet Cloth on Shabbat, Insulation

After discussing further details about heated food on Shabbat, the rabbis turn to other actions that are forbidden on Shabbat.  Malacha, forbidden labour, includes squeezing water from a cloth.  

We are told a story about  Rabba and Rabbi Zeira.  They were visiting the exilarch, Jewish political leader, on Shabbat when a servant placed a cup on top of a cloth over a vessel of hot water.  Rabba speaks up, telling the servant that heat should not be transferred in this way.  Rabbi Zeira says that the servant's actions were fine; it is permitted to spread a cloth over a vessel on Shabbat.  Rabba notes that they should keep watching, and the servant goes on to squeeze water from the cloth.

The rabbis continue their discussion about what is permitted to use as insulation for hot pots on Shabbat.  Moving those pots is another matter, however.  They also speak to other forbidden actions on Shabbat, including cutting the neck opening of one's shirt,  

They go on to consider the transfer of ritual impurity if a creeping animal is found inside of a stove but does not touch other receptacles surrounding the stove.  The rabbis also comment on the transfer of ritual impurity regarding scissors and blades which are made of component parts.