For the source text click/tap here: Beitzah 39
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The Gemara on our daf asks why Rabbi Yehuda differentiates between water, which loses its independent significance when baked into bread, and salt which apparently retains its status. Furthermore, a baraita is introduced in which Rabbi Yehuda clearly states that both water and salt become batel – negligible – when baked or cooked and are now part of food.
To explain the different statements of Rabbi Yehuda, the Gemara explains that there are different types of salt – melach sedomit and melah isterokanit. Melah sedomit is thick and retains its shape, so it can be seen even when baked or cooked. Melach isterokanit is softer and combines with the food to the extent that it can no longer be identified. Thus melach sedomit retains its independent status, while melach isterokanit is considered batel in the food.
This leads us to an exploration of Mt Sodom and a meditation on the pillar of salt and Lot's wife..