## Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter Chapter 3

###### Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:1
[Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:1](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mishneh%20Torah%2C%20Ritual%20Slaughter/r/3:1)

חֲמִשָׁה דְּבָרִים מַפְסִידִין אֶת הַשְּׁחִיטָה. וְעִקַּר הִלְכוֹת שְׁחִיטָה לְהִזָּהֵר בְּכָל אַחַת מֵהֶן. וְאֵלּוּ הֵן. שְׁהִיָּה. דְּרָסָה. חֲלָדָה. הַגְרָמָה. וְעִקּוּר:

**Mishneh Torah, trans. by Eliyahu Touger. Jerusalem, Moznaim Pub. c1986-c2007:**
There are five factors that disqualify ritual slaughter and the fundamentals of the laws of *shechitah* are to guard against each of these factors: They are: *shehiyah, dirasah, chaladah, hagramah,* and *ikur*.¹

footnotes:
¹ The Rambam describes each of these terms in the subsequent halachot in this chapter.


###### Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:2
[Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:2](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mishneh%20Torah%2C%20Ritual%20Slaughter/r/3:2)

שְׁהִיָּה כֵּיצַד. הֲרֵי שֶׁהִתְחִיל לִשְׁחֹט וְהִגְבִּיהַּ יָדוֹ קֹדֶם שֶׁיִּגְמֹר הַשְּׁחִיטָה וְשָׁהָה בֵּין בְּשׁוֹגֵג בֵּין בְּמֵזִיד בֵּין בְּאֹנֶס וְחָזַר הוּא אוֹ אַחֵר וְגָמַר אֶת הַשְּׁחִיטָה. אִם שָׁהָה כְּדֵי שֶׁיַּגְבִּיהַּ אֶת הַבְּהֵמָה וְיַרְבִּיצֶנָּה וְיִשְׁחֹט שְׁחִיטָתוֹ פְּסוּלָה. וְאִם שָׁהָה פָּחוֹת מִכְּדֵי זֶה שְׁחִיטָתוֹ כְּשֵׁרָה:

**Mishneh Torah, trans. by Eliyahu Touger. Jerusalem, Moznaim Pub. c1986-c2007:**
What is meant by *shehiyah*? A person began to slaughter and lifted up his hand before he completed the slaughter and waited. Whether he did so inadvertently, intentionally, or because of forces beyond his control, [the following rules apply] if he or another person completed the slaughter. If he waited the amount of time it would take to lift up the animal, cause it to lie down, and slaughter it, his slaughter is not acceptable. If he waited less than this amount of time, his slaughter is acceptable.


###### Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:3
[Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:3](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mishneh%20Torah%2C%20Ritual%20Slaughter/r/3:3)

הָיְתָה בְּהֵמָה דַּקָּה שִׁעוּר שְׁהִיָּתָהּ כְּדֵי שֶׁיַּגְבִּיהַּ בְּהֵמָה דַּקָּה וְיַרְבִּיצֶנָּה וְיִשְׁחֹט. וְאִם הָיְתָה גַּסָּה כְּדֵי שֶׁיַּגְבִּיהֶנָּה וְיַרְבִּיצֶנָּה וְיִשְׁחֹט. וּבְעוֹף כְּדֵי שֶׁיַּגְבִּיהַּ בְּהֵמָה דַּקָּה וְיַרְבִּיצֶנָּה וְיִשְׁחֹט:

**Mishneh Torah, trans. by Eliyahu Touger. Jerusalem, Moznaim Pub. c1986-c2007:**
With regard to a small domesticated animal:², the measure of *shehiyah* is the amount of time it would take to lift up the animal, cause it to lie down, and slaughter it. With regard to a large domestic animal,³ the measure of *shehiyah* is the amount of time it would take to lift up the animal, cause it to lie down, and slaughter it.⁴ With regard to a fowl, the measure of *shehiyah* is the amount of time it would take to lift up a small animal, cause it to lie down, and slaughter it.⁵, Rav Yosef Caro explains that generally, we follow the principle that the halachah follows Rav's approach with regard to the Torah prohibitions. Nevertheless, in this instance, since there are other Sages who support Shmuel's view, the Rambam favors his opinion. In his *Shulchan Aruch* (*Yoreh De'ah* 23:2), in addition to the Rambam's view, Rav Yosef Caro quotes Rashi's position which rules much more stringently with regard to *shehiyah* for a fowl. The Rama states that the common custom is to disqualify any ritual slaughter involving *shehiyah* of the slightest time for both animals and fowl.

footnotes:
² I.e., a sheep or a goat.
³ I.e., a cow.
⁴ I.e., each animal is considered according to its category. It will take more time to deal with a large animal than a smaller one and the time factor is adjusted accordingly.
⁵ The Rambam's ruling favors the opinion of Shmuel over Rav. In his Kessef Mishneh


###### Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:4
[Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:4](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mishneh%20Torah%2C%20Ritual%20Slaughter/r/3:4)

שָׁחַט מְעַט וְשָׁהָה מְעַט וְחָזַר וְשָׁחַט מְעַט וְשָׁהָה מְעַט עַד שֶׁגָּמַר הַשְּׁחִיטָה וְלֹא שָׁהָה בְּפַעַם אַחַת שִׁעוּר הַשְּׁהִיָּה אֲבָל כְּשֶׁתַּחְשֹׁב כָּל זְמַן הַשְּׁהִיּוֹת יִצְטָרֵף מִכֻּלָּן שִׁעוּר שְׁהִיָּה הֲרֵי זוֹ סְפֵק נְבֵלָה. וְכֵן אִם שָׁהָה כְּדֵי שֶׁיַּגְבִּיהֶנָּה וְיַרְבִּיצֶנָּה וּכְדֵי שֶׁיִּשְׁחֹט כְּמוֹ מִעוּט הַסִּימָנִין בִּלְבַד לֹא כְּדֵי שֶׁיִּשְׁחֹט שְׁחִיטָה גְּמוּרָה הֲרֵי זוֹ סְפֵק נְבֵלָה:

**Mishneh Torah, trans. by Eliyahu Touger. Jerusalem, Moznaim Pub. c1986-c2007:**
When a person cut [the signs] for a while, waited for a while, cut for a while, waited for a while until he concluded the slaughter without waiting the measure that disqualifies an animal at any one time, but over the times he waited over the entire period would equal the measure of *shehiyah*, there is an unresolved doubt whether [the animal is considered] a *nevelah*.⁶ (*Yoreh De'ah*23:3). The Rama reiterates the stringency stated above.
Similarly, if he waited the amount of time it takes to lift up the animal, cause it to lie down, and cut only a portion of the signs, but not to slaughter it entirely, there is an unresolved doubt whether [the animal is considered] a *nevelah*.

footnotes:
⁶ Although the Ra'avad and Rav Moshe HaCohen dispute the Rambam's ruling, it is accepted by the Shulchan Aruch


###### Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:5
[Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:5](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mishneh%20Torah%2C%20Ritual%20Slaughter/r/3:5)

שָׁחַט רֹב אֶחָד בְּעוֹף אוֹ רֹב שְׁנַיִם בִּבְהֵמָה אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁשָּׁהָה חֲצִי הַיּוֹם וְחָזַר וְגָמַר חֲתִיכַת הַסִּימָנִין הֲרֵי זוֹ מֻתֶּרֶת. מֵאַחַר שֶׁנִּשְׁחַט בָּהּ כַּשִּׁעוּר הֲרֵי זֶה כִּמְחַתֵּךְ בְּשַׂר הַשְּׁחוּטָה:

**Mishneh Torah, trans. by Eliyahu Touger. Jerusalem, Moznaim Pub. c1986-c2007:**
If he slaughtered the majority of one of the signs for a fowl or the majority of both signs for an animal, the slaughter is permitted even if he waited half the day and then returned and finished cutting the signs.⁷ (*Yoreh De'ah* 23:5) quotes the view of Rashi cited by the *Tur* that as long as the cutting of the signs is not completed, *shehiyah* can disqualify an animal. Hence, as an initial and preferred option, one should show respect for this view. The Rama rules even more stringently, stating that even after the fact, the slaughter is disqualified. For that reason, he continues, if the majority of the signs are cut, but the animal is lingering alive, rather than cut the signs further, one should hit it on its head to kill it. For since the minimum measure for slaughter was met, it is as if he is cutting slaughtered meat.

footnotes:
⁷ In addition to the Rambam's view, the Shulchan Aruch


###### Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:6
[Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:6](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mishneh%20Torah%2C%20Ritual%20Slaughter/r/3:6)

שָׁחַט בַּקָּנֶה לְבַדּוֹ חֶצְיוֹ אוֹ מִעוּטוֹ וְשָׁהָה זְמַן מְרֻבֶּה הֲרֵי זֶה חוֹזֵר וְגוֹמֵר הַשְּׁחִיטָה וְאֵין בְּכָךְ כְּלוּם. אֲבָל אִם שָׁחַט רֹב הַקָּנֶה אוֹ שֶׁנִּקֵּב בַּוֵּשֶׁט כָּל שֶׁהוּא וְשָׁהָה כַּשִּׁעוּר בֵּין שֶׁחָזַר וְגָמַר הַשְּׁחִיטָה שֶׁהִתְחִיל בֵּין שֶׁשָּׁחַט שְׁחִיטָה גְּמוּרָה בְּמָקוֹם אַחֵר הֲרֵי זוֹ פְּסוּלָה. מִפְּנֵי שֶׁהַבְּהֵמָה אוֹ הָעוֹף שֶׁנִּפְסַק רֹב הַקָּנֶה שֶׁלָּהּ אוֹ שֶׁנִּקַּב הַוֵּשֶׁט בְּמַשֶּׁהוּ נְבֵלָה וְאֵין הַשְּׁחִיטָה מוֹעֶלֶת בָּהּ כְּמוֹ שֶׁיִּתְבָּאֵר:

**Mishneh Torah, trans. by Eliyahu Touger. Jerusalem, Moznaim Pub. c1986-c2007:**
If one cuts half or less of the windpipe and waits an extended period, he may return and complete the slaughter; [his previous acts] are of no consequence.⁸. If, however, he cut the majority of [an animal's] windpipe or perforated the gullet even slightly and then waited the [disqualifying] measure, [the slaughter] is unacceptable.⁹. [This applies] whether he returned and completed cutting where he began or slaughtered the animal entirely in a different place. [The rationale is] that when the majority of the windpipe is slit or the gullet of either an animal or a fowl is perforated even slightly, the animal is comparable to a *nevelah* and ritual slaughter is not effective for it, as will be explained.¹⁰

footnotes:
⁸ For until half of the windpipe is cut, the animal is not considered as trefe
⁹ He cannot return and correct the slaughter, for the animal is already considered as a nevelah
¹⁰ Halachah 19.


###### Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:7
[Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:7](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mishneh%20Torah%2C%20Ritual%20Slaughter/r/3:7)

הִנֵּה נִתְבָּאֵר לְךָ שֶׁאֵין שְׁהִיָּה בַּקָּנֶה בָּעוֹף כְּלָל. שֶׁאִם שָׁחַט רֹב הַקָּנֶה וְשָׁהָה כְּבָר נִגְמְרָה שְׁחִיטָתוֹ כְּשֶׁחָזַר וְגָמַר מְחַתֵּךְ בָּשָׂר הוּא. וְאִם שָׁחַט בְּמִעוּט הַקָּנֶה וְשָׁהָה הֲרֵי זֶה חוֹזֵר וְשׁוֹחֵט כָּל זְמַן שֶׁיִּרְצֶה שֶׁאֵינָהּ נֶאֱסֶרֶת מִשּׁוּם נְבֵלָה עַד שֶׁיִּפָּסֵק רֹב הַקָּנֶה:

**Mishneh Torah, trans. by Eliyahu Touger. Jerusalem, Moznaim Pub. c1986-c2007:**
It is thus explained for you that the concept of *shehiyah* does not exist with regard to the windpipe of a fowl at all. For if he slit the majority of the windpipe and waited, he has already completed the slaughter of [the fowl]. When he goes back and completes it, it is as if he is cutting meat.¹¹ If he slit less than half the windpipe and waited, he may return and [complete the] slaughter whenever he desires,¹² for it is not disqualified as a *nevelah* unless the majority of the windpipe has been cut.

footnotes:
¹¹ As stated in Halachah 5.
¹² As stated in Halachah 6.


###### Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:8
[Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:8](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mishneh%20Torah%2C%20Ritual%20Slaughter/r/3:8)

שָׁחַט הָעוֹף וְשָׁהָה בּוֹ וְאֵינוֹ יוֹדֵעַ אִם נִקַּב הַוֵּשֶׁט אוֹ לֹא נִקַּב חוֹזֵר וְשׁוֹחֵט הַקָּנֶה לְבַדּוֹ בְּמָקוֹם אַחֵר וּמַנִּיחוֹ עַד שֶׁיָּמוּת וּבוֹדֵק הַוֵּשֶׁט מִבִּפְנִים. אִם לֹא נִמְצֵאת בּוֹ טִפַּת דָּם בְּיָדוּעַ שֶׁלֹּא נִקַּב וּכְשֵׁרָה:

**Mishneh Torah, trans. by Eliyahu Touger. Jerusalem, Moznaim Pub. c1986-c2007:**
[The following rules apply when] one slaughtered a fowl and waited, but does not know whether the gullet was perforated or not.¹³ He should return and cut the windpipe alone in another place,¹⁴). See the *Turei Zahav* 23:6 who offers another rationale. As mentioned above, the Rama rules that whenever one waits during the slaughter of a fowl or an animal, the slaughter is disqualified.
A parallel law - slaughtering the animal in a different place - does not apply with regard to an animal. For to slaughter the animal, he must slit the gullet and we fear that he will cut at a place where it had been perforated previously (*Kessef Mishneh*). let [the fowl] be until it dies, and then check the gullet from the inside.¹⁵). If a drop of blood was not found on it, it is apparent that it was not perforated and it is acceptable.

footnotes:
¹³ If the gullet was perforated, the slaughter is unacceptable. If not, it is acceptable.
¹⁴ Theoretically, he could also cut the windpipe in the same place and complete the slaughter in that manner. Nevertheless, our Sages advised against doing so, for in this way, it is much easier to perforate the gullet when cutting the windpipe and thus he might disqualify the slaughter unnecessarily (Kessef Mishneh
¹⁵ I.e., he should cut the gullet off at its top and/or bottom and turn it inside out. If he is able to find a drop of blood, he can assume that it is perforated and it is unacceptable. An external examination of the gullet is not sufficient for the surface of the gullet is red and a drop of blood will not be noticeable. Its inner surface, however, is skin-colored and the blood will be noticed (Kessef Mishneh


###### Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:9
[Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:9](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mishneh%20Torah%2C%20Ritual%20Slaughter/r/3:9)

חֲלָדָה כֵּיצַד. כְּגוֹן שֶׁהִכְנִיס הַסַּכִּין בֵּין סִימָן לְסִימָן. בֵּין שֶׁפָּסַק הַסִּימָן הָעֶלְיוֹן לְמַעְלָה בֵּין שֶׁשָּׁחַט הַתַּחְתּוֹן לְמַטָּה שֶׁהוּא דֶּרֶךְ שְׁחִיטָה הֲרֵי זוֹ פְּסוּלָה:

**Mishneh Torah, trans. by Eliyahu Touger. Jerusalem, Moznaim Pub. c1986-c2007:**
What is meant by *chaladah*?¹⁶ 20b states that this term is derived from the word *chuldah* meaning "weasel," i.e., an animal that hides in the foundation of homes. Similarly, *chaladah* involves "hiding" the knife when slaughtering; i.e., inserting it in a way that the blade is not open to the eye. Implied is that the proper way to slaughter is for the slaughterer to hold the animal or fowl with its neck upward and to draw the knife back and forth across the neck. For example, one inserted the knife between one sign and another.¹⁷ 24:6). Whether one then slits the upper sign above or cuts the lower sign below in the manner of ritual slaughter, [the slaughter] is unacceptable.

footnotes:
¹⁶ Chullin
¹⁷ Certainly, this applies when he inserted the knife below both signs and slaughtered the animal by moving the knife back and forth while pointed upward (Siftei Cohen


###### Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:10
[Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:10](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mishneh%20Torah%2C%20Ritual%20Slaughter/r/3:10)

הִכְנִיס אֶת הַסַּכִּין תַּחַת הָעוֹר וְשָׁחַט שְׁנֵי הַסִּימָנִים כְּדַרְכָּן. אוֹ שֶׁהֶחְלִיד אֶת הַסַּכִּין תַּחַת צֶמֶר מְסֻבָּךְ. אוֹ שֶׁפָּרַס מַטְלִית עַל הַסַּכִּין וְעַל הַצַּוָּאר וְשָׁחַט תַּחַת הַמַּטְלִית הוֹאִיל וְאֵין הַסַּכִּין גְּלוּיָה הֲרֵי זוֹ סְפֵק נְבֵלָה. וְכֵן אִם שָׁחַט מִעוּט הַסִּימָנִים בְּהַחְלָדָה וְגָמַר הַשְּׁחִיטָה שֶׁלֹּא בְּהַחְלָדָה הֲרֵי זוֹ סְפֵק נְבֵלָה:

**Mishneh Torah, trans. by Eliyahu Touger. Jerusalem, Moznaim Pub. c1986-c2007:**
If he inserted the knife beneath the [animal's] skin and slit both the signs in the ordinary fashion, hid the knife under tangled wool, or spread a cloth over the knife and the neck¹⁸, Rav Yosef Caro quotes other authorities who explain that this is referring to a situation where the person tied the cloth around the animal's neck, attached it with wax, or the like. If, however, he merely loosely spread the cloth over the animal, the slaughter is acceptable. He concludes, however, that the Rambam's opinion should be respected. In his *Shulchan Aruch* (*Yoreh De'ah* 24:8), he rules according to the other views, but states: "One should show concern for his (the Rambam's) opinion at the outset." and slaughtered under the cloth, since the knife is not openly revealed, there is an unresolved doubt whether [the animal is considered] a *nevelah*. Similarly, if slaughtered less than half the signs with *chaladah* and completed the slaughter without *chaladah*, there is an unresolved doubt whether [the animal is considered] a *nevelah*.

footnotes:
¹⁸ In his Kessef Mishneh


###### Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:11
[Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:11](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mishneh%20Torah%2C%20Ritual%20Slaughter/r/3:11)

דְּרָסָה כֵּיצַד. כְּגוֹן שֶׁהִכָּה בְּסַכִּין עַל הַצַּוָּאר כְּדֶרֶךְ שֶׁמַּכִּין בְּסַיִף וְחָתַךְ הַסִּימָנִין בְּבַת אַחַת בְּלֹא הוֹלָכָה וְלֹא הוֹבָאָה. אוֹ שֶׁהִנִּיחַ הַסַּכִּין עַל הַצַּוָּאר וְדָחַק וְחָתַךְ לְמַטָּה כְּחוֹתֵךְ צְנוֹן אוֹ קִישׁוּת עַד שֶׁחָתַךְ הַסִּימָנִין הֲרֵי זוֹ פְּסוּלָה:

**Mishneh Torah, trans. by Eliyahu Touger. Jerusalem, Moznaim Pub. c1986-c2007:**
What is meant by *dirasah*?¹⁹ means "prey" or "strike," i.e., killing with a blow, rather than drawing back and forth as is required for ritual slaughter. For example, one struck the neck with a knife as one strikes with a sword, cutting the signs at one time, without passing [the knife] back and forth or one placed the knife on the neck and pressed, cutting downward like one cuts radishes or squash until he cuts the signs, [the slaughter] is unacceptable.

footnotes:
¹⁹ The term doreis


###### Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:12
[Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:12](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mishneh%20Torah%2C%20Ritual%20Slaughter/r/3:12)

הַגְרָמָה כֵּיצַד. זֶה הַשּׁוֹחֵט בַּקָּנֶה לְמַעְלָה בְּמָקוֹם שֶׁאֵינוֹ רָאוּי לִשְׁחִיטָה. וּכְמוֹ שְׁנֵי חִטִּים יֵשׁ בְּסוֹף הַקָּנֶה לְמַעְלָה בְּטַבַּעַת גְּדוֹלָה. שָׁחַט בְּתוֹךְ הַחִטִּים אִם שִׁיֵּר מֵהֶן כָּל שֶׁהוּא לְמַעְלָה הֲרֵי זוֹ כְּשֵׁרָה. שֶׁהֲרֵי שָׁחַט מִשִּׁפּוּי כּוֹבַע וּלְמַטָּה. וְהוּא מִן הַמָּקוֹם הָרָאוּי לִשְׁחִיטָה. וְאִם לֹא שִׁיֵּר מֵהֶן כְּלוּם אֶלָּא שָׁחַט לְמַעְלָה מֵהֶן הֲרֵי זוֹ מֻגְרֶמֶת וּפְסוּלָה:

**Mishneh Torah, trans. by Eliyahu Touger. Jerusalem, Moznaim Pub. c1986-c2007:**
What is meant by *hagramah*?²⁰ gives two interpretations of the term *hagramah*:
a) "lift up," as in II Kings 9:13; i.e., he lifted the knife above its proper place; and
b) "tip," as in *Bava Batra* 88b; i.e., he tipped the knife upward. This refers to one who slaughters at a high point on the windpipe²¹ as slaughtering the animal in an improper place. If one would slit the gullet above the proper place, the animal would become disqualified as a *trefe* immediately (*Kessef Mishneh*). where it is not fit to slaughter. There are two [nodes, like kernels of] wheat at the top of the windpipe, at the large ring.²² states that the windpipe is made up of many rings. Over the top ring, there is a flap (cap) of flesh which is slanted. (This is the area of the larynx. See also Chapter 1, Halachah 7, and notes.) At the top of this flap, there are two kernel-like buttons of flesh. As long as the slaughterer leaves some portion of these kernels intact, the slaughter is acceptable. [The following rules apply if] one slaughtered in the midst of these kernels. If he left even the slightest portion of them intact above [the place of slaughter], it is acceptable, for he slaughtered from the slanting cap [of the windpipe] or lower. This is within the place that is fit for ritual slaughter. If, however, he did not leave any portion of them intact, but instead cut above them, this is considered as [being slaughtered with] *hagramah* and it is unacceptable.

footnotes:
²⁰ The Maggid Mishneh
²¹ The Rambam speaks only with regard to the windpipe, because he defines hagramah
²² The Maggid Mishneh


###### Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:13
[Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:13](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mishneh%20Torah%2C%20Ritual%20Slaughter/r/3:13)

שָׁחַט רֹב הָאֶחָד אוֹ רֹב הַשְּׁנַיִם וְהִשְׁלִים הַשְּׁחִיטָה בִּדְרָסָה אוֹ בְּהַגְרָמָה הֲרֵי זוֹ כְּשֵׁרָה שֶׁהֲרֵי נִשְׁחַט הַשִּׁעוּר כָּרָאוּי. הִגְרִים בַּתְּחִלָּה שְׁלִישׁ וְשָׁחַט שְׁנֵי שְׁלִישִׁים הֲרֵי זוֹ כְּשֵׁרָה. שָׁחַט שְׁלִישׁ וְהִגְרִים שְׁלִישׁ וְחָזַר וְשָׁחַט שְׁלִישׁ הָאַחֲרוֹן כְּשֵׁרָה. הִגְרִים שְׁלִישׁ וְשָׁחַט שְׁלִישׁ וְחָזַר וְהִגְרִים שְׁלִישׁ הָאַחֲרוֹן הֲרֵי זוֹ פְּסוּלָה. וְאִם דָּרַס אוֹ הֶחְלִיד בֵּין בַּשְּׁלִישׁ הָרִאשׁוֹן בֵּין בַּשְּׁלִישׁ הָאֶמְצָעִי הֲרֵי זוֹ פְּסוּלָה:

**Mishneh Torah, trans. by Eliyahu Touger. Jerusalem, Moznaim Pub. c1986-c2007:**
If one slit the majority of one sign [for a fowl] or the majority of both signs [for an animal] and then completed the slaughter through *dirasah* or *hagramah*, it is acceptable, for the minimum measure was slaughtered in the proper manner.²³ mentioned in Halachah 5. The same concept applies if one slaughters more than half the signs appropriately and then completes the slaughter through *chaladah*. Indeed, it can be explained that the Rambam does not mention this law with regard to *chaladah*, because it is obvious. For in *chaladah*, the slaughter is essentially correct; it is only the manner in which one inserts the knife that is unacceptable (*Kessef Mishneh*).
As mentioned in the notes to Halachah 5, there are opinions who differ and disqualify the slaughter. Similarly, with regard to the laws at hand, there are opinions that are more stringent, except with regard to *hagramah*. In that instance, they accept the leniency mentioned by the Rambam. The *Shulchan Aruch* (*Yoreh De'ah* 24:12) quotes both of the views without stating which should be followed. The Rama goes further and states that it is customary to rule stringently even with regard to *hagramah*, and even with regard to fowl.
If at first, he slit a third [of the windpipe]²⁴ through *hagramah*, and then cut two thirds in the appropriate manner, the slaughter is acceptable.²⁵. If he cut a third in the appropriate manner, cut a third through *hagramah*, and then cut the last third in the appropriate manner, the slaughter is acceptable.²⁶ If at first, he slit a third through *hagramah*, cut a third in the appropriate manner, and then cut a third through *hagramah*, the slaughter is unacceptable.²⁷ If one cut [a portion of] an animal's throat with *derisah* or *chaladah*, it is unacceptable, whether it was the first or second third.²⁸, in Halachah 10, he writes that there is an unresolved question whether the slaughter is disqualified, while here he appears to say that it is definitely unacceptable. The Rivosh (Responsum 187), the *Kessef Mishneh*, the *Maggid Mishneh*, and the *Siftei Cohen* 24:18 all offer lengthy - and somewhat forced - explanations to attempt to resolve the apparent contradiction. The core of the explanation of the *Kessef Mishneh* is that since the majority of the windpipe was slit in the proper place, it is not disqualified because a portion was not.
Needless to say, if one cuts the last third in either of these fashions, according to the Rambam, the slaughter is not disqualified, for it has already been completed (through slitting more than half of the sign[s] in an acceptable manner). The Rama, however, would disqualify the slaughter as stated above.

footnotes:
²³ The Rambam derived this concept from a comparison to the laws of shehiyah
²⁴ This addition is necessary, for as stated above, if the gullet is perforated, the slaughter is disqualified.
²⁵ For the majority of the windpipe was cut in an acceptable manner and the preliminary cutting did not cause the animal to be considered as a trefe
²⁶ Here also, the majority of the windpipe is cut in an acceptable manner. The fact that the two thirds were not cut directly after each other is not significant.
²⁷ For the majority of the windpipe has not been slit in an acceptable manner.
²⁸ The rationale for the Rambam's words has been discussed at length by the commentaries, because with regard to chaladah


###### Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:14
[Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:14](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mishneh%20Torah%2C%20Ritual%20Slaughter/r/3:14)

עִקּוּר כֵּיצַד. כְּגוֹן שֶׁנֶּעֶקְרָה הַגַּרְגֶּרֶת וְהִיא הַקָּנֶה אוֹ הַוֵּשֶׁט וְנִשְׁמַט אֶחָד מֵהֶן אוֹ שְׁנֵיהֶן קֹדֶם גְּמַר שְׁחִיטָה. אֲבָל אִם שָׁחַט אֶחָד בָּעוֹף אוֹ רֻבּוֹ וְאַחַר כָּךְ נִשְׁמַט הַסִּימָן הַשֵּׁנִי שְׁחִיטָתוֹ כְּשֵׁרָה:

**Mishneh Torah, trans. by Eliyahu Touger. Jerusalem, Moznaim Pub. c1986-c2007:**
What is meant by *ikur*? That the gullet and/or the windpipe were displaced²⁹ means "uproot." The *Kessef Mishneh* states that, according to the Rambam, the fact that the signs have slipped from their place does not cause the animal to be deemed a *trefe* (see, however, Chapter 9, Halachah 21, and notes). Nevertheless, such a condition disqualifies the animal, for it is impossible for the ritual slaughter to be carried out in the proper manner. and slid [from their place] before the conclusion of the slaughter. If, however, one slit an entire sign or its majority in a fowl, and then the second sign slipped, the slaughter is acceptable.³⁰

footnotes:
²⁹ The term ikur
³⁰ For the slaughter was already completed in an acceptable manner. Compare to the following halachah.


###### Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:15
[Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:15](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mishneh%20Torah%2C%20Ritual%20Slaughter/r/3:15)

נִשְׁמַט אֶחָד מֵהֶן וְאַחַר כָּךְ שָׁחַט אֶת הַשֵּׁנִי שְׁחִיטָתוֹ פְּסוּלָה. שָׁחַט אֶחָד מֵהֶן וְנִמְצָא הַשֵּׁנִי שָׁמוּט וְאֵין יָדוּעַ אִם קֹדֶם שְׁחִיטָה נִשְׁמַט אוֹ אַחַר שְׁחִיטָה הֲרֵי זוֹ סְפֵק נְבֵלָה:

**Mishneh Torah, trans. by Eliyahu Touger. Jerusalem, Moznaim Pub. c1986-c2007:**
If one of the signs was displaced and afterwards, one slit the other, the slaughter is unacceptable.³¹). If one slit one of the signs [of a fowl] and then discovered that the other one was displaced, but it is unknown whether it was displaced before slaughter³² or after slaughter,³³ there is an unresolved question whether [the fowl] is a *nevelah*.

footnotes:
³¹ This applies even with regard to a fowl. Although it is only necessary for one of the signs of a fowl to be cut in the appropriate manner, the other one must be fit to be slit in an appropriate manner (Kessef Mishneh
³² In which instance it would disqualify it.
³³ In which instance, it would be acceptable.


###### Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:16
[Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:16](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mishneh%20Torah%2C%20Ritual%20Slaughter/r/3:16)

נִמְצָא הַסִּימָן הַשָּׁחוּט שָׁמוּט הֲרֵי זוֹ כְּשֵׁרָה. שֶׁוַּדַּאי אַחַר שְׁחִיטָה נֶעֱקַר. שֶׁאִלּוּ נֶעֱקַר קֹדֶם שְׁחִיטָה הָיָה מִתְדַּלְדֵּל וְלֹא נִשְׁחָט:

**Mishneh Torah, trans. by Eliyahu Touger. Jerusalem, Moznaim Pub. c1986-c2007:**
If the sign that was cut for ritual slaughter is discovered to have been displaced, [the fowl or animal]³⁴ is acceptable, for certainly, it was displaced after the slaughter. For if it had been displaced before ritual slaughter, it would have hung loosely and it would not have been able to be slaughtered [effectively].³⁵ and the *Shulchan Aruch* (*Yoreh De'ah* 24:18) rule more stringently and maintain that it is necessary to slaughter another animal, displace its signs afterwards, and compare the two. Only if they are similar is the slaughter accepted. Moreover, the *Shulchan Aruch* continues stating that, at present, we are not expert at making this comparison and hence, forbid an animal whenever such a condition arises.

footnotes:
³⁴ With regard to a fowl, the sign in question is the only sign slit. With regard to an animal, the other sign must have been slaughtered effectively.
³⁵ The Tur


###### Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:17
[Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:17](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mishneh%20Torah%2C%20Ritual%20Slaughter/r/3:17)

בַּמֶּה דְּבָרִים אֲמוּרִים שֶׁלֹּא תָּפַס הַסִּימָנִין בְּיָדוֹ כְּשֶׁשָּׁחַט. אֲבָל אִם תְּפָסָן וְשָׁחַט אֶפְשָׁר שֶׁתִּשָּׁחֵט אַחַר הָעִקּוּר וּלְפִיכָךְ אִם נִמְצֵאת שְׁמוּטָה וּשְׁחוּטָה הֲרֵי זוֹ סְפֵק נְבֵלָה:

**Mishneh Torah, trans. by Eliyahu Touger. Jerusalem, Moznaim Pub. c1986-c2007:**
When does the above apply? When [the slaughterer] did not hold the signs in his hand when he slit them. If, however, he held the signs and slaughtered, it is possible that [the signs] could have been slit [effectively even] after they were displaced.³⁶ Therefore, if a sign is discovered to be displaced and slaughtered,³⁷ there is an unresolved question whether [the animal or the fowl] is a *nevelah*.

footnotes:
³⁶ Because the slaughterer will hold the signs in the proper position by hand.
³⁷ And we do not know whether the slaughterer held it by hand or not.


###### Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:18
[Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:18](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mishneh%20Torah%2C%20Ritual%20Slaughter/r/3:18)

כָּל מָקוֹם שֶׁאָמַרְנוּ בִּשְׁחִיטָה פְּסוּלָה הֲרֵי זוֹ נְבֵלָה. וְאִם אָכַל מִמֶּנָּה כְּזַיִת לוֹקֶה מִשּׁוּם אוֹכֵל נְבֵלָה שֶׁאֵין מוֹצִיא מִידֵי נְבֵלָה אֶלָּא שְׁחִיטָה כְּשֵׁרָה כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה משֶׁה רַבֵּנוּ עָלָיו הַשָּׁלוֹם כְּמוֹ שֶׁבֵּאַרְנוּ. וְכָל סָפֵק בִּשְׁחִיטָה הֲרֵי הוּא סְפֵק נְבֵלָה וְהָאוֹכֵל מִמֶּנָּה מַכִּין אוֹתוֹ מַכַּת מַרְדּוּת:

**Mishneh Torah, trans. by Eliyahu Touger. Jerusalem, Moznaim Pub. c1986-c2007:**
Whenever we have used the term "unacceptable," the animal is a *nevelah* and if a person partakes of an olive-sized portion of it, he is liable for lashes for partaking of a *nevelah*. For only an acceptable slaughter as commanded by Moses our teacher of blessed memory prevents an animal from being considered a *nevelah* as we explained.³⁸ Whenever there is an unresolved doubt whether slaughter [is acceptable], there is an unresolved doubt whether the animal is a *nevelah*.³⁹ A person who partakes of it is liable for stripes for rebellious conduct.

footnotes:
³⁸ See Chapter 1, Halachot 1 and 4.
³⁹ Since an animal is forbidden during its lifetime, its meat is permitted only when we are certain that the slaughter was acceptable (Radbaz).


###### Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:19
[Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:19](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mishneh%20Torah%2C%20Ritual%20Slaughter/r/3:19)

בְּהֵמָה שֶׁנִּטַּל יָרֵךְ שֶׁלָּהּ וַחֲלָלָה עִמָּהּ עַד שֶׁתֵּרָאֶה חֲסֵרָה כְּשֶׁתִּרְבַּץ הֲרֵי זוֹ נְבֵלָה כְּמוֹ שֶׁנֶּחְתַּךְ חֶצְיָהּ וְנֶחְלְקָה לִשְׁנֵי גּוּפוֹת וְאֵין הַשְּׁחִיטָה מוֹעֶלֶת בָּהּ. וְכֵן אִם נִשְׁבְּרָה מִפְרֶקֶת וְרֹב בָּשָׂר עִמָּהּ אוֹ שֶׁנִּקְרְעָה מִגַּבָּהּ כְּדָג אוֹ שֶׁנִּפְסַק רֹב הַקָּנֶה אוֹ שֶׁנִּקַּב הַוֵּשֶׁט בְּכָל שֶׁהוּא בְּמָקוֹם הָרָאוּי לִשְׁחִיטָה הֲרֵי זוֹ נְבֵלָה מֵחַיִּים וְאֵין הַשְּׁחִיטָה מוֹעֶלֶת בָּהּ. וְאֶחָד הַבְּהֵמָה וְאֶחָד הָעוֹף בְּכָל הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה:

**Mishneh Torah, trans. by Eliyahu Touger. Jerusalem, Moznaim Pub. c1986-c2007:**
When the thigh of an animal and [the meat⁴⁰. of] its hollow were removed and thus it appears lacking when it crouches, it is a *nevelah*.⁴¹ does (*Hilchot Shaar Avot HaTumah* 2:1). [It is] as if half of it was cut away and it was divided into two bodies. Thus slaughter is not effective with regard to it.
Similarly, if [the animal's] backbone was broken together with the majority of the meat, its back was ripped open like a fish, the majority of the windpipe was been severed,⁴² 33:4 rules that the animal is a *trefe* and not a *nevelah*. or the gullet was perforated in a place fit for slaughter,⁴³ and not a *nevelah*. it is considered as a *nevelah* while alive and slaughter will not be effective with regard to it. The same laws apply to both an animal and a fowl with regard to all these matters.

footnotes:
⁴⁰ The addition is made on the basis of the gloss of the Maggid Mishneh
⁴¹ I.e., even though the animal still has a certain vestige of vitality, it is considered as if it has died already and it imparts ritual impurity as a nevelah
⁴² In this and the following instance, the Siftei Cohen
⁴³ If, however, the gullet was perforated at a higher point in the neck (see Halachah 12), it is considered as a trefe


###### Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:20
[Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:20](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mishneh%20Torah%2C%20Ritual%20Slaughter/r/3:20)

שְׁנֵי עוֹרוֹת יֵשׁ לוֹ לַוֵּשֶׁט. הַחִיצוֹן אָדֹם וְהַפְּנִימִי לָבָן. נִקַּב הָאֶחָד מֵהֶן בִּלְבַד כְּשֵׁרָה. נִקְּבוּ שְׁנֵיהֶן בְּכָל שֶׁהוּא בְּמָקוֹם הָרָאוּי לִשְׁחִיטָה הֲרֵי זוֹ נְבֵלָה. וּבֵין שֶׁנִּשְׁחֲטָה בִּמְקוֹם הַנֶּקֶב בֵּין שֶׁנִּשְׁחֲטָה בְּמָקוֹם אַחֵר אֵין הַשְּׁחִיטָה מוֹעֶלֶת בָּהּ. נִקְּבוּ שְׁנֵיהֶם זֶה שֶׁלֹּא כְּנֶגֶד זֶה נְבֵלָה:

**Mishneh Torah, trans. by Eliyahu Touger. Jerusalem, Moznaim Pub. c1986-c2007:**
The gullet has two membranes: the external membrane is red and the inner membrane is white.⁴⁴ If only one of them is perforated, [the animal] is acceptable.⁴⁵ 33:4)]. If they are both perforated even to the slightest degree in a place fit for slaughter, it is a *nevelah*.⁴⁶ and not a *nevelah* (*Kessef Mishneh*). [This applies] whether it was slaughtered in the place of the perforation or in another place, slaughter will not be effective with regard to it. If they were both perforated, [even when] one [hole] does not correspond to the other, the animal is a *nevelah*⁴⁷ unless the holes correspond to each other. In this instance, however, the ruling is much more severe because the gullet is stretched and becomes extended. Thus even if the place of the holes do not correspond, they can match each other at times [*Kessef Mishneh*, *Shulchan Aruch* (*Yoreh De'ah* 33:4)]..

footnotes:
⁴⁴ I.e., skin-colored.
⁴⁵ For the one that is not perforated is sufficient to protect the animal sufficiently for it to survive.This leniency applies when the inner membrane is perforated due to sickness. If, however, it is perforated due to a thorn, we fear that the outer membrane may also be perforated, but that perforation cannot be detected [see Halachah 22; Rama (Yoreh De'ah
⁴⁶ As above, if the gullet was perforated at a higher point in the neck (see Halachah 12), it is considered as a trefe
⁴⁷ With regard to other organs which have two membranes, e.g., the brain and the lungs, the animal is not considered as trefe


###### Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:21
[Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:21](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mishneh%20Torah%2C%20Ritual%20Slaughter/r/3:21)

נִקַּב הַוֵּשֶׁט וְעָלָה בּוֹ קְרוּם וּסְתָמוֹ אֵין הַקְּרוּם כְּלוּם וַהֲרֵי הוּא נָקוּב כְּשֶׁהָיָה. נִמְצָא קוֹץ עוֹמֵד בַּוֵּשֶׁט הֲרֵי זוֹ סְפֵק נְבֵלָה שֶׁמָּא נִקַּב הַוֵּשֶׁט וְעָלָה קְרוּם בִּמְקוֹם הַנֶּקֶב וְאֵינוֹ נִרְאֶה. אֲבָל אִם נִמְצָא הַקּוֹץ לְאָרְכּוֹ בַּוֵּשֶׁט אֵין חוֹשְׁשִׁין לוֹ שֶׁרֹב הַבְּהֵמוֹת הַמִּדְבָּרִיּוֹת אוֹכְלוֹת הַקּוֹצִים תָּמִיד:

**Mishneh Torah, trans. by Eliyahu Touger. Jerusalem, Moznaim Pub. c1986-c2007:**
When the gullet is perforated and a scab forms which covers it, the scab is of no consequence and it is considered perforated as it was beforehand.⁴⁸ 42a). If a thorn is detected standing in the gullet, there is an unresolved doubt whether the animal is a *nevelah*. We fear that perhaps a scab developed in the place of a perforation and it is not visible.⁴⁹ 33:9) rules more leniently, stating that unless a trace of blood is detected on the outer side, we do not disqualify an animal because a thorn was implanted in the gullet. If, however, a thorn is lying lengthwise⁵⁰ (*Yoreh De'ah* 33:9) rules that this applies even if the thorn is lying widthwise, as long as it is not implanted in the membrane. [Indeed, some versions of the *Mishneh Torah* substitute widthwise for lengthwise.] in the gullet, we are not concerned about it, for most desert animals eat thorns continuously.⁵¹

footnotes:
⁴⁸ For as the gullet expands, it is possible that the scab will open (Rashi, Chullin
⁴⁹ The Rama (Yoreh De'ah
⁵⁰ The Shulchan Aruch
⁵¹ And yet do not suffer any internal damage.


###### Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:22
[Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:22](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mishneh%20Torah%2C%20Ritual%20Slaughter/r/3:22)

וֵשֶׁט אֵין לוֹ בְּדִיקָה מִבַּחוּץ אֶלָּא מִבִּפְנִים. כֵּיצַד. הוֹפְכוֹ וּבוֹדֵק. אִם נִמְצָא עָלָיו טִפַּת דָּם בְּיָדוּעַ שֶׁהָיָה נָקוּב:

**Mishneh Torah, trans. by Eliyahu Touger. Jerusalem, Moznaim Pub. c1986-c2007:**
The gullet cannot be checked from the outside, only from the inside.⁵² What is implied? One should turn it inside out and check it. If a drop of blood is found upon it, it can be concluded that it was perforated.

footnotes:
⁵² Because, as stated above (see Halachot 8, 19), since its outer membrane is red, a trace of blood will not be obvious.


###### Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:23
[Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:23](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mishneh%20Torah%2C%20Ritual%20Slaughter/r/3:23)

גַּרְגֶּרֶת שֶׁנִּפְסַק רֹב חֲלָלָה בַּמָּקוֹם הָרָאוּי לִשְׁחִיטָה הֲרֵי זוֹ נְבֵלָה. וְכֵן אִם נִקְּבָה כְּאִיסָר. נִקְּבָה נְקָבִים קְטַנִּים אִם נְקָבִים שֶׁאֵין בָּהֶן חֶסְרוֹן הֵם מִצְטָרְפִין לְרֻבָּהּ וְאִם נְקָבִים שֶׁיֵּשׁ בָּהֶם חֶסְרוֹן מִצְטָרְפִין לִכְאִיסָר. וְכֵן אִם נִטְּלָה מִמֶּנָּה רְצוּעָה מִצְטָרֶפֶת לִכְאִיסָר. וּבְעוֹף כָּל שֶׁאִלּוּ מְקַפֵּל הָרְצוּעָה אוֹ הַנְּקָבִים שֶׁיֵּשׁ בָּהֶן חֶסְרוֹן וּמַנִּיחָן עַל פִּי הַקָּנֶה אִם חוֹפֶה אֶת רֻבּוֹ נְבֵלָה וְאִם לָאו כְּשֵׁרָה:

**Mishneh Torah, trans. by Eliyahu Touger. Jerusalem, Moznaim Pub. c1986-c2007:**
When the majority of the cavity of the windpipe⁵³ 44a,b) is emphasizing that this measure disqualifies an animal even if when including the thickness of the flesh of the windpipe, the slit would not cover the majority of the windpipe. has been severed in the place fit for slaughtering,⁵⁴ [the animal] is a *nevelah*. This also applies if it has a hole the size of an *isar*.⁵⁵ 9:5), the Rambam states that an *isar* is the weight of four barley corns.
The *Shulchan Aruch* (*Yoreh De'ah* 34:2) states that we are unfamiliar with the measure of an *isar*. Therefore, the laws applying to an animal should resemble those applying to a fowl and if the slit covers the majority of the cavity of the windpipe, it is disqualified. The Rama states that, for an animal, an *isar* is smaller than the majority of the cavity of the windpipe. Therefore he states that perhaps the intent of the *Shulchan Aruch*, is the majority of the cavity of a fowl. He cautions anyone who has a doubt to rule stringently and disqualify the animal.
[The following rules apply if the windpipe of an animal] was perforated with small holes.⁵⁶ (*Yoreh De'ah* 33:3) speaks of perforating the windpipe "like a sifter." If the perforations did not detract [from the flesh, they disqualify the animal if,] when they are added together, they constitute the majority [of the windpipe]. If they detract from the flesh, [they disqualify the animal if,] when they are added together, their sum is the size of an *isar*.⁵⁷ and his *Shulchan Aruch* (*Yoreh De'ah* 34:3), Rav Yosef Caro writes that as long as the flesh between the holes is not larger than the holes themselves, it is included together with them in this measure. Similarly, if a strand [of flesh] is removed from [the windpipe], it [disqualifies the animal if its area] is the size of an *isar*.
With regard to a fowl, [a more stringent rule applies]:⁵⁸ (Rashi, *Chullin* 45a). Whenever the strip [of flesh that was removed] or the holes that detract from the flesh [are large enough so that they] could be folded so that when placed over the opening of the windpipe, it would cover the majority [of its cavity],⁵⁹. For each particular fowl, this measure is calculated individually (*Maggid Mishneh*). it is a *nevelah*. If not, it is acceptable.

footnotes:
⁵³ I.e., the slit goes from side to side in a manner in which the majority of the cavity is slit. The Rambam (based on Chullin
⁵⁴ See Chapter 1, Halachah 7, and notes.
⁵⁵ An Italian coin, frequently used in the Talmudic era. In his commentary to the Mishnah (Mikveot
⁵⁶ When quoting this law, the Shulchan Aruch
⁵⁷ In his Kessef Mishneh
⁵⁸ For the entire windpipe of a fowl may not be the size of an isar
⁵⁹ The addition is based on the gloss of the Kessef Mishneh


###### Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:24
[Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:24](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mishneh%20Torah%2C%20Ritual%20Slaughter/r/3:24)

נִקְּבָה הַגַּרְגֶּרֶת נֶקֶב מְפֻלָּשׁ מִשְּׁנֵי צְדָדֶיהָ כְּדֵי שֶׁיִּכָּנֵס אִיסָר לְרָחְבּוֹ נְבֵלָה. נִסְדְּקָה לְאָרְכָּהּ אֲפִלּוּ לֹא נִשְׁתַּיֵּר מִן הַמָּקוֹם הָרָאוּי בָּהּ לִשְׁחִיטָה אֶלָּא מַשֶּׁהוּ לְמַעְלָה וּמַשֶּׁהוּ לְמַטָּה כְּשֵׁרָה:

**Mishneh Torah, trans. by Eliyahu Touger. Jerusalem, Moznaim Pub. c1986-c2007:**
If the windpipe was perforated on both sides with a hole large enough for the thickness of *isar*⁶⁰ who quotes the *Tur* (*Yoreh De'ah* 34) who explains that in contrast to the previous halachah which speaks of a hole the area of an *isar*, this halachah is speaking about a hole through which an *isar* can be slipped through on its side.
It must be emphasized that the Rambam's ruling depends on the interpretation of *Chullin* 54a advanced by Rabbenu Yitzchak Alfasi. Rashi advances a different interpretation of that passage on which basis, the Ra'avad objects to the Rambam's ruling. The *Shulchan Aruch* (*Yoreh De'ah* 34:5-6) quotes both opinions without stating which is favored. to be inserted into it, it is a *nevelah*. If it is slit lengthwise, even if only the slightest portion of the place fit to slaughter [an animal] remains above and below, it is acceptable.⁶¹ quotes Rashi who explains that if the windpipe is slit across we rule more stringently, for the stress of breathing will extend the windpipe and cause the slit to expand. This does not apply when it is split lengthwise.

footnotes:
⁶⁰ Our translation is based on the gloss of the Kessef Mishneh
⁶¹ The Kessef Mishneh


###### Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:25
[Mishneh Torah, Ritual Slaughter 3:25](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mishneh%20Torah%2C%20Ritual%20Slaughter/r/3:25)

גַּרְגֶּרֶת שֶׁנִּקְּבָה וְאֵין יָדוּעַ אִם קֹדֶם שְׁחִיטָה נִקְּבָה אוֹ אַחַר שְׁחִיטָה נִקְּבָה. נוֹקְבִין אוֹתָהּ עַתָּה בְּמָקוֹם אַחֵר וּמְדַמִּין הַנֶּקֶב לְנֶקֶב אִם נִדְמֶה לוֹ מֻתֶּרֶת. וְאֵין מְדַמִּין אֶלָּא מֵחֻלְיָא גְּדוֹלָה לְחֻלְיָא גְּדוֹלָה אוֹ מִקְּטַנָּה לִקְטַנָּה. אֲבָל לֹא מִקְּטַנָּה לִגְדוֹלָה שֶׁכָּל הַקָּנֶה חֻלְיוֹת חֻלְיוֹת הוּא וּבֵין כָּל חֻלְיָא וְחֻלְיָא חֻלְיָא אַחַת קְטַנָּה מִשְּׁתֵּיהֶן וְרַכָּה:

**Mishneh Torah, trans. by Eliyahu Touger. Jerusalem, Moznaim Pub. c1986-c2007:**
When a windpipe has been perforated⁶² and it is not known whether it was perforated before the slaughter or afterwards,⁶³ we perforate it again in another place and compare the two holes. If they resemble each other, it is permitted.⁶⁴ 34:9) states that we are not proficient in inspecting the animal in this way and should disqualify it in all situations.
We compare only [a hole in] a large ring to [a hole in] a large ring or [a hole in] a small [ring] to [a hole in] a small [ring], but not [a hole in] a small [ring] to a [a hole in] a large [ring]. For the entire windpipe is made up of a series of rings. Between each [large] ring is a small, soft ring.

footnotes:
⁶² In a manner that would disqualify the animal.
⁶³ Were it to have been perforated afterwards, the perforation would not be significant.
⁶⁴ For it is apparent that the first hole was also made after the animal's death. The Rama (Yoreh De'ah