A decorative projection extends 8 handbreadths above the ground from a doorway, facing downward. What size must it be to convey impurity?
Halacha 1: A downward-facing projection 12 handbreadths or less above the ground conveys impurity by Rabbinic decree regardless of how small it is. Above 12 handbreadths, it requires a handbreadth by handbreadth.
Question 2
An earthenware barrel rests flat on the ground with an olive of corpse flesh under it (but not elevating the barrel). Does impurity spread to the sides?
Halacha 6: When a barrel rests on the ground and impurity is flush beneath it (no cubic handbreadth of airspace), impurity pierces through and ascends/descends — it does not spread sideways.
Question 3
Two wooden tablets are resting side by side touching only at their corners, each raised a handbreadth. Impurity is under one tablet. Are items under the other tablet impure?
Halacha 5: Two tablets touching only at their corners do not connect as one ohel — there is not a handbreadth of shared contact. Items under the second tablet are pure; the second tablet itself only contracts until-evening impurity (as a vessel touching an impure ohel).
Question 4
A sealed barrel (tzamid patil) is placed directly over a corpse. What is the status of food inside the barrel and vessels placed on top of the barrel?
Halacha 6: A sealed barrel placed over a corpse: its contents (food and liquids) are pure because of the seal. However, vessels placed on top of the barrel are impure — the barrel is functioning as an ohel that conveys impurity upward.
Question 5
A projection extends over a light window (made for illumination). What size must it be to convey impurity?
Halacha 3: A projection over a window made for light (ma'or) conveys impurity regardless of its size and regardless of its height — because the light window itself only requires a pundiyon to transmit impurity.