Commentary for Avodah Zarah 99:7
ומרקוליס כה"ג מי הוי והא תניא אלו הן אבני בית קוליס אחת מכאן ואחת מכאן ואחת על גביהן אמר רבא כי תניא ההיא בעיקר מרקוליס
When they are lying in this manner [are they a Mercurius]? Has it not been taught: The following are the stones of a Bet-Kulis: one here, and a third on top of, and a third on the top of them! Rava explained: That refers to the main part of a Mercurius.
Daf Shevui to Avodah Zarah
Are stones to be considered a Mercurius if they are only right next to each other? A baraita states clearly that a Mercurius is three stones, one on top of two.
Rava explains that that baraita refers to the main part of a Mercurius, which indeed is one stone on two. But once the main part is built, additional stones can be added on the side.
I want to point out that the placing of stones on something is reminiscent of the Jewish practice of putting stones on a grave. Unnaturally placed stones are a way of people saying, “we were here.” Unfortunately, I was at a funeral today and so this sugya came to mind.
Rava explains that that baraita refers to the main part of a Mercurius, which indeed is one stone on two. But once the main part is built, additional stones can be added on the side.
I want to point out that the placing of stones on something is reminiscent of the Jewish practice of putting stones on a grave. Unnaturally placed stones are a way of people saying, “we were here.” Unfortunately, I was at a funeral today and so this sugya came to mind.
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