Commentary for Avodah Zarah 31:16
תנן אין מוכרין להן דובין ואריות ולא כל דבר שיש בו נזק לרבים טעמא דאית ביה נזק לרבים הא לית ביה נזק לרבים שרי אמר רבה בר עולא בארי שבור
Our Mishnah says: One should not sell them bears, lions, or anything which may injure the public. The reason is because they might injure the public, but if they will not injure the public it should be permitted? Rabbah b. Ulla said: [Our Mishnah may refer] to a mutilated lion
Daf Shevui to Avodah Zarah
The Talmud raises a difficulty on anyone who says it is prohibited to sell them large wild beasts. Large wild beasts may not be sold only if they present a danger to the public. But if they are not dangerous, then they may be sold to them.
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Daf Shevui to Avodah Zarah
Rabbah b. Ulla explains that the Mishnah prohibits selling a mutilated lion which is not fit for work, and it follows the opinion of R. Judah from the previous mishnah who forbade selling maimed animals. But an unmaimed large wild animal would be prohibited, even according to the other rabbis, even if it does not present a danger to the public.
Ashi says that all lions are considered “maimed” when it comes to work. After all, a lion cannot be put to work. Thus a lion that does not present a danger could be sold. But a different wild animal that can do work cannot be sold under any circumstance.
Ashi says that all lions are considered “maimed” when it comes to work. After all, a lion cannot be put to work. Thus a lion that does not present a danger could be sold. But a different wild animal that can do work cannot be sold under any circumstance.
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