For the source text click/tap here: Chagigah 25
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The mishnah states: From Modi’im and inward toward Jerusalem, i.e., in the area surrounding Jerusalem, up to the distance of the town of Modi’im, which is fifteen mil from Jerusalem, all potters, including amei ha’aretz, are deemed credible with regard to the purity of earthenware vessels that they have produced. Because these places supplied earthenware vessels for the people in Jerusalem, the Sages did not decree impurity for them.
From Modi’im and outward, however, they are not deemed credible.
We explore the relationship between location and credibility as well as the history of this ancient town and the recent archeological finds.