A hole in the door should be measured with the size of a fist; these are the words of R’ Akiva. R’ Tarfon says: [This hole is measured] with a square handbreadth. [If] the carpenter left a space at the bottom or top, or he did not complete [the door], or the wind opened [the door], [the hole] is measured with the size of a fist.

There is no minimum size [for a hole] that is made for a stick, a ‘‘sword,’’ or a lamp, according to Beis Shammai. Beis Hillel say: A square handbreadth. [If a hole was made] to be a peephole, to speak with his friend, or for other usage, the minimum size is a square handbreadth.