For the source text click/tap here: Beitzah 9
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Beit Shammai prohibit moving a ladder from one dovecote to another, even though his intention is to fetch some doves for slaughter and consumption, which by itself is permissible on a Holiday (Yom Tov). Beit Hillel disagree and allow moving the ladder.
They must be talking about a ladder specifically designated for dovecotes, and yet Beit Shammai do not allow moving it. Why? - Because an onlooker might still think that he is going to plaster his roof. And Beit Hillel, what do they say? - That his ladder and his dovecote are proof enough of his intention.
We examine the metaphor of ladders...from Jacob's ladder to the kabbalistic references to the connection between heaven and earth, and the literal geographic (and strategic) "ladder of Tyre" in the conquest of Beirut.