For the source text click/tap here: Sotah 16
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Rabbi Yishmael says that a Revi'is of water is used for a Metzora so that the blood of the bird will be discernible in the water.
A bird called Tzipor Dror is used in the purification of a Metzora.
D’ror Bird
Rabbi Yirmiyah inquired of Rabbi Zeira: What is the halachah if the bird is so large that its blood engulfs the water, or if the bird is so small that its blood is engulfed by the water? Rabbi Zeira replied: Have I not told you not to take yourself outside the halachic decisions (do not raise questions about exaggerated points)!
The Chachamim (when ruling that a revi’is of water is required) measured using a d’ror bird, and you will not find one that is so large that its blood will engulf the water, and you will not find one so small that its blood will be engulfed by the water!
We explore the relationship between pshat and Halacha,
with Martin Lockshin’s essay and the way early Christianity formed by interpretation of pshat…