01
The structure
Kushya
Contradiction: source A says X, source B says not-X.
Terutz
"Lo kashya: kan be-... kan be-..." - each source addresses a different situation.
הָא... הָא...
this (in one case)... that (in another)...Course map
Chapter 7 · Shakla ve-tarya
Lo kashya, kan... kan... - the distinction answer
Lesson 29 of 37 17 min
When two sources contradict, the Gemara often proposes they deal with different cases. We learn the structure of this answer and how to test it.
Lesson goals
- 01Identify a contradiction ("rami... ve-tanan")
- 02Understand the "kan be-... kan be-..." structure
- 03Ask whether the distinction fits the source wording
02
Testing the answer
- 1What situation does each source address per the answer?
- 2Does the source's wording fit that situation?
- 3Is the distinction logical - is there a reason the law would change?
Insight
A good distinction is not a trick but the discovery of a hidden variable.
Practice
Write two everyday "rules" that seem to clash and phrase a "kan... kan..." resolution.
Lesson wrap-up
A contradiction is an invitation to find the variable.
Check your understanding
Test yourself before marking the lesson complete.
Question 1 of 3
What does a "kan... kan..." answer do?