Study Avodah Zarah folio 15A with parallel Hebrew-English text, traditional commentary, and modern study tools. Free access to Babylonian Talmud online.
And R' Elazar says: Even in a place where they prohibited leaving an animal in seclusion with a non-Jew, it is permitted to sell it to a non-Jew. What is the reason? Once the animal is sold to the non-Jew, there is no concern that he will engage in bestiality. This is because a non-Jew spares his o
§ The Mishnah teaches: But in every place one may not sell to non-Jews large livestock, calves, or foals, whether these animals are whole or damaged. The Talmud explains: What is the reason? The Talmud explains: Granted, we are not concerned about the non-Jew engaging in bestiality with the animal
The Talmud expresses puzzlement: And let the non-Jew put it to work. Why should one be concerned about this possibility? Since he bought it, he acquires it and may put it to work on Shabbat, as it no longer belongs to the Jew. The Talmud answers: Selling it is prohibited by rabbinic decree due to t
The Talmud raises a further difficulty: But during that time period, the act of borrowing the animal causes the non-Jew to temporarily acquire it, and likewise, by leasing the animal, he temporarily acquires it. Why, then, is it a problem if the non-Jew puts the animal to work on Shabbat?
Rather, Rami, son of Rav Yeiva, said: Selling is prohibited by rabbinic decree due to the concern with regard to testing. As at times, one sells an animal to a non-Jew when it is close to sunset of Friday, and one says to him: Go and test the animal, and it hears the voice of its Jewish owner and w