Keilim 11:7-8

Keilim 11:7

A curved horn is susceptible to ritual impurity. A straight horn isn’t susceptible to impurity but if it has a metal mouthpiece, the mouthpiece is susceptible. If the wide end is made of metal, Rabbi Tarfon declares it susceptible but the Sages say that it is insusceptible. When all the pieces are assembled, the whole thing is susceptible. Similarly, the branches of a candelabra are insusceptible to impurity but the cups and the base are susceptible. When all the pieces are assembled, the whole thing is susceptible.

Keilim 11:8

A helmet is susceptible to ritual impurity. Its cheek pieces are insusceptible but if they have a receptacle for water, then they are susceptible. All weapons are susceptible to impurity; a javelin, the head of a spear, leg armor and chainmail are susceptible to impurity. All women’s ornaments are susceptible to impurity, including a “city of gold” (i.e., a tiara), a necklace, earrings, finger rings regardless of whether or not they have a seal, and nose rings. Regarding a necklace of metal beads on a string of linen or wool, if the string breaks, the beads remain susceptible to impurity because each one is a utensil in its own right. If the thread was metal and the beads were precious stones, pearls or glass, if the beads break so that only the string is left, it remains susceptible to impurity. The minimum size remnant of a broken necklace that would remain susceptible to impurity is large enough for a little girl’s neck. Rabbi Eliezer says even if only one ring of a necklace remains, it continues to be susceptible to impurity because people will still hang it around the neck.