I think I am not understanding correctly the difference between 'mavlia' and 'mekader'. I understand that mavlia means that the two people stand on opposite sides of the valley, and extend the 50 amos rope over it. Whereas with mekader, they have to measure with a 4 amos rope, and do down the slope and back up again. However, doesn't the measurement actually end up being the same, because even with 'mekader' the line is measured in a straight line, with the guy higher up holding the rope by his feet. In essence, only the horizontal measurement is taken into account, and the slope is ignored. So what is the difference? For example, the gemora says that a valley deeper than 2000 amos, even if its less than 50 across, should be measured by mekader, not mavlia. But what is the difference in the measurement at the end of the day? Thanks Reuven

I think I am not understanding correctly the difference between 'mavlia' and 'mekader'. I understand that mavlia means that the two people stand on opposite sides of the valley, and extend the 50 amos rope over it. Whereas with mekader, they have to measure with a 4 amos rope, and do down the slope and back up again. However, doesn't the measurement actually end up being the same, because even with 'mekader' the line is measured in a straight line, with the guy higher up holding the rope by his feet. In essence, only the horizontal measurement is taken into account, and the slope is ignored. So what is the difference? For example, the gemora says that a valley deeper than 2000 amos, even if its less than 50 across, should be measured by mekader, not mavlia. But what is the difference in the measurement at the end of the day? Thanks Reuven

I think I am not understanding correctly the difference between 'mavlia' and 'mekader'. I understand that mavlia means that the two people stand on opposite sides of the valley, and extend the 50 amos rope over it. Whereas with mekader, they have to measure with a 4 amos rope, and do down the slope and back up again. However, doesn't the measurement actually end up being the same, because even with 'mekader' the line is measured in a straight line, with the guy higher up holding the rope by his feet. In essence, only the horizontal measurement is taken into account, and the slope is ignored. So what is the difference? For example, the gemora says that a valley deeper than 2000 amos, even if its less than 50 across, should be measured by mekader, not mavlia. But what is the difference in the measurement at the end of the day? Thanks Reuven