הלכות כלאים

When a person sows vegetables or grain in a vineyard or maintains these species, allowing to grow 1/200th, he causes the vines around it to become hallowed in a radius - not a square1And thus the vines on the corners are permitted. - of sixteen cubits. We consider the entire circle with a diameter of 32 cubits as if it were filled entirely with vegetables. Any vine that grows in this circle becomes hallowed together with the vegetables. Any one outside the circle is not hallowed.

When does the above apply? When there are more than four cubits between the edge of this circle and the rows of the vines outside of it.2The Rambam derives these concepts from an analysis of the wording of Kilayim 5:5. To explain: The Mishnah states: "[A person who] plants a vegetable in a vineyard... causes 45 vines to be hallowed. When? When they are planted, each one four [cubits from the other] or five [cubits from each other]." As the Rambam explains in his Commentary to the Mishnah, if the vines are five cubits away from each other, some of the 45 vines will be outside the circle. Now its true, that if the vines are four cubits away from each other, there will be individual vines within four cubits of the circle. There will not, however, be "rows of the vines" outside the circle.The Ra'avad differs with his interpretation. The Radbaz and the Kessef Mishneh support the Rambam's view. If, however, there were exactly four cubits or less between them, we consider the circle as if it reached the row which is next to it and it is as if the diameter of the circle is 40 cubits. We take into consideration every vine that is included in this circle that is 40 cubits in diameter and it is hallowed.

When does the above apply? When one sows or maintains the different species in the midst of the vineyard. When, however, he sows [the grain or vegetable] outside the vineyard, but next to it, he causes the two rows of the vines3Since the prooftext cited above speaks of "the vineyard" becoming hallowed, the area that becomes hallowed must be at least two rows wide, for only that is worthy of being called "a vineyard" [the Rambam's Commentary to the Mishnah (Kilayim 4:5)]. The Ra'avad objects to the Rambam's ruling, but the Radbaz and the Kessef Mishneh question his objection.The Kessef Mishneh also clarifies that here a smaller portion of the vineyard is forbidden than in the previous halachah, because the mixed species is not surrounded by the vineyard on all sides. Hence, only four cubits, the area is necessary to perform the work necessary for the vineyard, is forbidden. next to [the different species] sown to become hallowed. [The hallowed portion of the vines continues] over the entire length of [the area] sown plus four cubits [on either side]. A portion four cubits wide [of the area] sown along the entire length of the [external] row of the vineyard becomes hallowed.4The Radbaz adds that if one sows the vegetables or grain beyond the row of the vineyard, a four cubit portion of that area is also forbidden. If one sows [such crops] next to a single vine, only a circle with a radius of six handbreadths of the area sown becomes hallowed.5For this is the size of the area necessary to tend to a single vine (Kilayim 6:1).

A small vine that is less than a handbreadth long does not cause the sown [area]6This applies regardless of the species of crops sown there (in contrast to the opinion of Rashi, Sotah 43b) [Kessef Mishneh]. to become hallowed.7I.e., because the plants are small, planting them is not considered planting a "vineyard." See also Hilchot Ma'aser Sheni 10:19. It is possible to say that one should, however, keep a distance of six handbreadths between them and grain or vegetables, as stated in the previous halachah with regard to a single vine. When does the above apply? When there are two [vines] planted opposite two others and another one projects as a tail.8See Chapter 7, Halachah 7, which describes vines planted in this manner as "a small vineyard." If, however, the entire vineyard [was planted] in this manner, it does become hallowed.9For this indicates that this person considers this as a vineyard; alternatively this is a Rabbinic safeguard, lest an observer think that planting other species is permissible in an ordinary vineyard (Radbaz).

[The following rules apply when there are] two gardens one above the other10This refers to a terraced hill with gardens planted on an incline (Radbaz) and the lower one is planted as a vineyard. One should plant the upper one until he reaches within the aerial space of ten handbreadths of the vineyard.11The notes to the Frankel edition of the Mishneh Torah cite Hilchot Shabbat 4:4,18 which speaks about the significance of ten handbreadths of space. For it is forbidden to sow seeds within ten handbreadths of the aerial space of a vineyard or a vine. If the upper [garden] was planted as a vineyard, one should sow the lower garden until he reaches within three handbreadths of the roots of the vines.

When a person's field was sown with vegetables or grain and he changed his mind and decided to plant vines in it, he should turn over the sown produce with a plow and then plant the vines.12From the ruling in Chapter 2, Halachah 13, it would appear that he should also wait until the seeds rot (Tosafot Yom Tov). He should not plant the vines and then turn over [the produce].If it was planted with vines and he changed his mind and decided to sow crops there, he should uproot the vines and then sow the crops. If he desires to merely cut off the vines until there is less than a handbreadth of them near the earth, it is permissible for him to sow [the crops at this point] and then uproot the remainder of the vines from the earth.13The Radbaz states that following this course of action will be beneficial, for pulling out the vines will save him the trouble of having to cover the seeds with earth, for that task will be accomplished as a matter of course.

[The following laws apply when a person] extends a vine [by embedding it] in the earth,14The Rambam is referring to a process which was used to extend a vine and increase its fertility. For if a vine was allowed to grow endlessly, its fertility would wane as it grew longer. Therefore its head was implanted in the ground. There it would grow roots - thus increasing the nurture it could give the plant - and then from the embedded head would sprout forth a new plant. even if he encloses it in a dried15If the gourd is not dried out, it is certainly forbidden, because the gourd itself is a separate species. gourd that serves as a cylinder for it or in an earthernware cylinder.16Since as the vine's roots grow, they will emerge from the sides of these cylinders, they are considered as subservient to the earth and not as independent entity. If, however, the person places the vine in a metal pipe, these laws do not apply (See the Jerusalem Talmud, Kilayim 7:1). If there are three handbreadths or more of earth covering it, it is permitted to sow [crops of other species] above it.17Since it is buried so deeply in the earth, it is no longer considered significant. If there was less earth than that upon it, it is forbidden to sow above it18Because the amount of earth over it is not that much to cause it to be considered as insignificant. It is, however, permitted to sow at its side.19Were it above ground, by contrast, one would have to move six handbreadths away before sowing a crop.

If he extended it through hard ground,20Our translation is based on the Rambam's Commentary to the Mishnah (Kilayim 7:2). it is permitted to sow crops over it even if there are only three fingerbreadths and not three handbreadths of earth upon it.21For its roots will not emerge.When does the above apply?22This applies to the previous halachah as well. When the base of the vine is not visible. If, however, it is visible, it is necessary to make a distinction of [at least] six handbreadths23The notes to the Frankel edition of the Mishneh Torah mention that this ruling appears to be somewhat of a departure from the Rambam's understanding as reflected in his Commentary to the Mishnah (loc. cit.). at either side in every direction before sowing just as one must make such a separation from any one vine that was not extended in the ground, as will be explained.24Chapter 7, Halachah 1.

When a person extends three vines in the ground, but their bases are visible, if there are between four and eight cubits between them,25When vines are this distance apart they are still considered as part of the same vineyard (Chapter 7, Halachah 2). they are grouped together with the other vines that are growing [in the vineyard]26The Ra'avad differs with the Rambam and maintains that this law applies even if there are no other vines. He maintains that since a portion of the vines extended in the ground is visible, they themselves can be grouped together and considered a vineyard, because the three bases and the three heads are considered as six vines. The Radbaz and the Kessef Mishneh justify the Rambam's ruling. They do not dispute the law mentioned by the Ra'avad, but maintain that it is not the interpretation of the mishnah cited above. (Significantly, the Rambam's Commentary to the Mishnah appears to follow the Ra'avad's approach.) and it is as if they were not extended in the ground. If not, they are not included among the others.

If there were less than three vines, they are not included [as part of the vineyard].27The Rambam derives this law from the fact that the mishnah cited above speaks of "three vines." Implied is that the law does not apply to less. Instead, one should separate six handbreadths on every side and sow [other crops].28As stated in Halachah 8.

Anyone who sows crops under branches and leaves that emerge from the vines causes [the produce] to be hallowed even though the crops are several cubits away from the base of the vine.29I.e., even though the branch is only an extension of the vine, sowing under it is forbidden. See Halachah 15.

When a person drapes a vine over a portion of a trellis30See Chapter 8, Halachah 1, for a description of such trellises. [intended for vines], he should not plant [crops] under the remainder of the trellis31I.e., a person prepared a series of trellises over which to drape a vine. In fact, however, he did not drape the vine over the entire area of the trellises, only over a portion of it. He should, nevertheless, be stringent and regard the vine as growing over the entire trellis, because ultimately, it will spread over it. even though there are no leaves or branches upon them.32The rationale is that they are placed there so that ultimately, the vine will grow and be extended upon them. If he did plant there, since there are no crops under the shade of the vine, it is permitted.33For unless the vine spreads there, the prohibition is merely a Rabbinic safeguard. Similar [laws apply] if he draped a vine over some branches of a tree that does not produce fruit,34I.e., it forbidden to sow crops under the entire tree. The produce becomes hallowed, however, only when sowed under the area where the vine is actually draped. e.g., cedars or pines. If, by contrast, he draped a vine over some of the branches of a fruit-bearing tree, it is permitted to sow under the branches of the tree where the vine was not draped. [The rationale is] that a person does not nullify a fruit-bearing tree to make it a trellis for a vine.35Since it is a fruit tree, it has its own importance and it is never considered as merely a trellis for the grapes as long as the grape vine is not draped over these branches.If, after [produce] was sown, the branches were extended and covered the produce, they should be shifted to another place.36Note the contrast to the stringency mentioned in the following halachah. The reason for the leniency in this halachah is that the branches of a fruit-bearing tree are considered entities in their own right and are not subservient to the vine. Hence, since it was permitted to sow the crops there, they are not forbidden if the vine grows unintentionally.

When a person sows under the remainder of the trellises37I.e., portions of the trellises to which the vines have not spread. or under the remainder of the branches of a tree that does not produce fruit38For they are considered as equivalent to the trellises, as stated in the previous halachah. and then the branches of the vine were extended and covered the crops, it is forbidden to maintain them or shift the branches [of the vine].39Since he transgressed by sowing there, our Sages required him to uproot the crops (Radbaz). From the Rambam's wording here and in his Commentary to the Mishnah (Kilayim 6:3), it would appear that he maintains that only the crops are forbidden, but not the vines. What should he do? He should uproot the crops.

When reeds are jutting out from the lattice on the surface of a trellis, but [the owner] does not want to cut them off lest he destroy the trellis, he is permitted to sow [crops] under them.40Since his intent is not to drape vines upon them, they are not considered as part of the trellis [the Rambam's Commentary to the Mishnah (ibid. 6:8)]. If he left them so that the branches and leaves that emerge will grow upon them, it is forbidden to sow [crops] under them.

When a branch41Our translation is taken from the Rambam's Commentary to the Mishnah (ibid. 6:9). emerges from a vine which is propped up42Our translation is taken from the Rambam's Commentary to the Mishnah (ibid. 7:1). or from the trunk of a vine that is not propped up, 43Since he transgressed by sowing there, our Sages required him to uproot the crops (Radbaz). From the Rambam's wording here and in his Commentary to the Mishnah (Kilayim 6:3), it would appear that he maintains that only the crops are forbidden, but not the vines. we considered it as if a plumb line is hanging from it to the earth and it is forbidden to sow under it. Similarly, if one extends a branch from one tree to another, it is forbidden to sow under it.

When a person ties a rope or rubber cord to a branch and ties the other end to a tree, he is permitted to sow [crops] under the rope.44For he is not planning to have the vine grow upon it. If he extended this rope with the intent that the branches and leaves will grow upon it, it is like a trellis and it is forbidden to sow under it.