But an individual idolater who appoints a day as holy time to himself etc. According to the text of the Gemara the king's birthday is considered as any other of their holidays, which have the features of such; but the day of shaving one's beard or queue and so all the rest herein enumerated, whether it be the king or subject, no other but that particular day is forbidden time. But the subjects are not banned unless they actually worship them, even if it be on the Calenda (Pagan New Year) and Saturnalia (Pagan watch Night) holidays. As for the exception of "that particular man" in the text, it merely eliminates his subjects, and covers all the enumerated private holidays. ¹

footnotes: ¹ Maimonides interpretes the text of the Mishnah (Abodah Zarah, 8a) this way: (a) General holidays; (2) private holidays (3)subjects. And, in this way he outlines the laws herein; the dependents of a layman are the same to him as the subjects of a king, which he mentions in the third category. The RABD's criticism, being based on the interpretation of the text of the Mishnah, by which his intention is to point out that the three days before a holiday is inapplicable as regards subjects, falls short of contradicting Maimonides. C.G.

A city wherein there is an established idolatry etc. The Tosefta identifies this as pertaining to Fair Day and to do business with them. And, even to go there on a holiday is forbidden for fear of doing business with them.¹

footnotes: ¹ The interpretation of the text is given by Maimonides shows no place for differences. See Tosefta, Abodah Zarah, 1. G.

But if there is another road etc. His words are not consequential at all; if they go from there to another place, it is permitted in the first place to pass through it en route to another place, as there is no place for suspicion here.¹

footnotes: ¹ Maimonides mentions "if he merely chanced to take this one" as a matter of course, for if there are two roads leading to that city he, too, admits that travellers may go there by any road they may elect. C.G.

One who sells a house etc. If he received the money before the worshiped idol was placed therein, it is permitted property.¹

footnotes: ¹ The decision of Maimonides herein refers to one who sells his house direct to an idolator, for the purpose of idolatry, when, even, if it was sold on a mortgage, or if the money be given before actual worship, no difference is apparent. C.G.