Another example is when a person has an old house and replasters it so that it appears as though it were new.

Another is when he has a scratched car and gives it a coat of paint, so that an observer assumes there is nothing wrong with it.

His statement, “such as dyeing a female slave’s hair black”: that is, when selling her. A person may have a female slave whom he wishes to sell, whose hair has turned white either due to some affliction or old age, and so he dyes it black so that the observer assumes she is a young woman. This is unlawful, and it gives rise to the option [of rescission], as will follow.

His statement, “and curling it”: meaning that he applies oil to it which makes it wavy, because when it appears curled, this indicates that it is strong. Its opposite is soft, straight hair that does not curl. The former is more desirable to people. Thus, when the hair is strong and curly, it is more desirable than when it is soft, smooth, and flowing. So, when this man wishes to sell the female slave, he curls her hair in order to raise the price. We say: this is unlawful and impermissible, because it is deception.

His statement, “collecting the water for a mill and releasing it when displaying it”: these are two actions, though in reality they constitute one thing. This is done by collecting the mill’s water, then releasing it when the mill is put up for sale. But how can a mill have water?

There are mills that turn according to the flow of water. The owner of the mill builds a dam by which the water is held back. When he wishes to sell it, he opens this dam, whereupon the water rushes forth forcefully and swiftly, causing the mill to turn rapidly. The buyer then assumes that this is its normal operation, that it is of good quality, and that the water flows swiftly.