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1) THE LAST LINE OF A DOCUMENT (cont.)

(a) Question (Rav Nachman): Why don't we learn from the last line of a document?
(b) Answer (Rav Amram - Beraisa #1): If the witnesses left two blank lines between the text and their signatures, it is invalid; if they left one blank line, it is valid.
(c) Question: When they left two blank lines, it is invalid - presumably, we are concerned that the bearer could add clauses to his benefit;

1. The same concern applies when one blank line was left!

(d) Answer: We must say that we do not learn from the last line.

2) BLANK LINES AFTER THE TEXT

(a) Question: What if one and a half blank lines were left after the text?
(b) Answer #1 (Beraisa #1): If they left two blank lines, it is invalid.

1. Inference: If they left one and a half blank lines, it is valid!

(c) Objection: But the end of the Beraisa teaches, if they left one blank line, it is valid - implying, if they left one and a half blank lines, it is invalid!
(d) Conclusion: The inferences contradict one another, we cannot determine which is correct (to answer the question from the Beraisa).
(e) Answer #2 (Beraisa #2): If they left two blank lines, it is invalid; less than this, it is valid (this answers our question).

1. If four or five witnesses signed on a document, and one (our text, Rambam; Rashbam's text - the first two) of them were found to be relatives or invalid witnesses, the document is valid on account of the Kosher witnesses.
2. This supports Chizkiyah.
3. (Chizkiyah): If blank lines between the text and the signatures were filled with signatures of relatives, it is valid;

i. We likewise find in the laws of Sechach (that a gap is worse than something invalid) - three Tefachim of air disqualify a Sukah, invalid Sechach disqualifies a Sukah only if there are four Tefachim.