Study Eruvin folio 88B with parallel Hebrew-English text, traditional commentary, and modern study tools. Free access to Babylonian Talmud online.
But if the courtyard is less than 4 cubits by 4 cubits in area, one simply pours the water out, as the place is not fit for sprinkling. Therefore, if one fashioned a pit, it is permitted to pour out water; but if not, it is prohibited to do so, as one certainly intends for the water to flow outside.
R' Zeira offered a different reason and said: In a courtyard of 4 cubits by 4 cubits, the water is likely to be absorbed into the ground. If it is less than 4 cubits in size, the water will not be absorbed but will flow out.
The Talmud asks: What is the practical difference between these two explanations? Abaye said: There is a difference between them with regard to a long and narrow courtyard. As the area of this courtyard is also 16 square cubits, it likewise absorbs the water. R' Zeira would therefore rule that it do
We learned in the Mishnah: A courtyard and a portico combine for the requisite 4 cubits, permitted the pouring of water into a courtyard that lacks a pit. The Talmud asks: Granted, according to the opinion of R' Zeira, this works out well, as the total area is large enough to absorb the water. Ho
R' Zeira explained the Mishnah in accordance with the opinion of Rabba, by saying that it is referring to a portico that extends along the entire courtyard, so that it adds to its width alone. Consequently, the courtyard and the portico together form a square of 4 by 4 cubits, an area that is fit