benediction

It was stated: When collecting bones one does not recite lamentations and wailing, nor the benediction of mourners, nor consolation of mourners. The benediction of mourners, what is said in the synagogue. Consolation of mourners, what is said in the row. It was stated: But one spoke words on the occasion. What are words? The rabbis of Caesarea said, eulogies.

It was stated: When collecting bones one does not recite lamentations and wailing, nor the benediction of mourners, nor consolation of mourners. The benediction of mourners, what is said in the synagogue. Consolation of mourners, what is said in the row. It was stated: But one spoke words on the occasion. What are words? The rabbis of Caesarea said, eulogies.

Rebbi Jacob bar Aḥa in the name of Rebbi Yasa: The one who stands before the Ark on New Year’s holiday does not have to mention the New Moon. Rebbi Aḥa bar Pappus said, it was stated thus: “The one who stands before the Ark on New Year’s holiday in the morning, the House of Shammai say, he prays eight [benedictions], but the House of Hillel say seven. For musaf, the House of Shammai say ten, but the House of Hillel say nine.” Should he not say eleven? Rebbi Yose said, where do they disagree? In a matter which needs a separate benediction. But here even on a weekday he simply includes it. So he should mention it in “Service”. Rebbi Yose asked, since the two he-goats of New Year’s day come because of the New Moon, why do you say that he does not have to mention the New Moon? Rebbi Yose ben Rebbi Bun said, does Rebbi Abba bar Mamal not ask correctly? As it was stated: “The two lambs of Pentecost and the two he-goats of New Year’s Day.” If the first atoned, what does the second atone for? For impurity that happened between them. Is that not Rebbi Simeon’s? And Rebbi Simeon splits atoning. But if both of them were for the New Moon? Rebbi Abba Mari said, you cannot do that, since it is written, in addition to the elevation offering of the month. In addition, from what we have stated, “twelve for the twelve months of the year.” A patrician stood before the Ark and did not mention the New Moon; they praised him. Rav Hoshaia asked: think of it, if they slaughtered both of them simultaneously? What impurity happened between them? Rebbi Bun said, if all of Israel are proper, would they not bring what the Torah prescribed for them?

MISHNAH IV In the morning [the reading of the Shema'] is preceded by two benedictions and followed by one ; in the evening it is preceded by two and followed by two, one long and one short. Where [the Rabbis] order to say a long benediction, it is not permissible to say a short one ;

[where they order] to say a short benediction, it is not permissible to say a long one. [Where they order] to "seal " a benediction, it is not permissible not to "seal" ; [where they order] not to "seal," it is not permissible to "seal."

[where they order] to say a short benediction, it is not permissible to say a long one. [Where they order] to "seal " a benediction, it is not permissible not to "seal" ; [where they order] not to "seal," it is not permissible to "seal."

Rab Judah said in the name of Samuel : When one rises early to study [Torah], if he had not yet read the Shema', he must utter a benediction [prefatory to study] ; but should he have read the Shema', it is not necessary to utter a benediction, for he has freed himself from the obligation by having recited "With abounding love."

Rab Judah said in the name of Samuel : When one rises early to study [Torah], if he had not yet read the Shema', he must utter a benediction [prefatory to study] ; but should he have read the Shema', it is not necessary to utter a benediction, for he has freed himself from the obligation by having recited "With abounding love."

Rab Huna said : For the study of the Scriptures a benediction is necessary, but not for the study of Midrash.

R. Eleazar said : For the study of the Scriptures and Midrash a benediction is required, but not for the study of the Mishnah.

Raba said : Also for the study of Talmud it is necessary to recite a benediction.

For Rab Hiyya b. Ashe said : On many occasions have I stood before Rab to study the chapters of the Sifra debe Rab ; he first washed his hands, uttered a benediction, and then taught us the chapters.

What was the benediction ? Rab Judah said in the name of Samuel: "[Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, King of the Universe], Who hast sanctified us by Thy commandments and commanded us to occupy ourselves with the words of Torah."

We have learnt elsewhere in the Mishnah : The Temple-super-intendent said [to the priests] "Utter one benediction," and they did so. They then read the Decalogue, "Hear, O Israel" etc. (Deut. vi. 4 ff.), "And it shall come to pass if ye shall hearken diligently" etc. (ibid. xi. 13 ff.), "And the Lord said" etc. (Num. xv, 37 ff.). After that they uttered with the people three benedictions, viz, "True and firm," "Accept, O Lord our God" and the Priestly Benediction. On the Sabbath they added a benediction for the outgoing guard.

We have learnt elsewhere in the Mishnah : The Temple-super-intendent said [to the priests] "Utter one benediction," and they did so. They then read the Decalogue, "Hear, O Israel" etc. (Deut. vi. 4 ff.), "And it shall come to pass if ye shall hearken diligently" etc. (ibid. xi. 13 ff.), "And the Lord said" etc. (Num. xv, 37 ff.). After that they uttered with the people three benedictions, viz, "True and firm," "Accept, O Lord our God" and the Priestly Benediction. On the Sabbath they added a benediction for the outgoing guard.

We have learnt elsewhere in the Mishnah : The Temple-super-intendent said [to the priests] "Utter one benediction," and they did so. They then read the Decalogue, "Hear, O Israel" etc. (Deut. vi. 4 ff.), "And it shall come to pass if ye shall hearken diligently" etc. (ibid. xi. 13 ff.), "And the Lord said" etc. (Num. xv, 37 ff.). After that they uttered with the people three benedictions, viz, "True and firm," "Accept, O Lord our God" and the Priestly Benediction. On the Sabbath they added a benediction for the outgoing guard.

Which is the one benediction? It so happened that R. Abba and R.Jose b. Abba came to a certain place and were asked : Which is the one benediction? They were unable to answer ; so they went and questioned Rab Mattena, and he could not answer. They thereupon asked Rab Judah. He replied : Thus said Samuel : It is "With abounding love."

Which is the one benediction? It so happened that R. Abba and R.Jose b. Abba came to a certain place and were asked : Which is the one benediction? They were unable to answer ; so they went and questioned Rab Mattena, and he could not answer. They thereupon asked Rab Judah. He replied : Thus said Samuel : It is "With abounding love."

[The Mishnah quoted above states :] Then they read the Decalogue, "Hear, O Israel," "And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently," "And the Lord said," "True and firm," "Accept, O Lord our God," and the Priestly Benediction.

[The Mishnah-quotation continues :] On the Sabbath they added a benediction for the outgoing guard. Which is this benediction ? R. Helbo said : The outgoing guard said to the incoming guard, "May He Who caused His name to dwell in this house make love and brotherhood, peace and comradeship, to abide amongst you."

[The Mishnah-quotation continues :] On the Sabbath they added a benediction for the outgoing guard. Which is this benediction ? R. Helbo said : The outgoing guard said to the incoming guard, "May He Who caused His name to dwell in this house make love and brotherhood, peace and comradeship, to abide amongst you."

Where [the Rabbis] order to say a long benediction, it is not permissible to say a short one. It is evident that one who took a cup of wine, and thinking that it was beer, commenced saying the benediction on the supposition that it was beer, and then concluded the benediction for wine, has complied with the requirements of the law ; because even if he had said "[Blessed]... by Whose word all things exist," he would also have complied with the requirements of the law. For there is a Mishnaic teaching : [not translated.] If one has uttered the benediction "By Whose word all things exist" over any kind of liquor, he has fulfilled his obligation.

Where [the Rabbis] order to say a long benediction, it is not permissible to say a short one. It is evident that one who took a cup of wine, and thinking that it was beer, commenced saying the benediction on the supposition that it was beer, and then concluded the benediction for wine, has complied with the requirements of the law ; because even if he had said "[Blessed]... by Whose word all things exist," he would also have complied with the requirements of the law. For there is a Mishnaic teaching : [not translated.] If one has uttered the benediction "By Whose word all things exist" over any kind of liquor, he has fulfilled his obligation.

Where [the Rabbis] order to say a long benediction, it is not permissible to say a short one. It is evident that one who took a cup of wine, and thinking that it was beer, commenced saying the benediction on the supposition that it was beer, and then concluded the benediction for wine, has complied with the requirements of the law ; because even if he had said "[Blessed]... by Whose word all things exist," he would also have complied with the requirements of the law. For there is a Mishnaic teaching : [not translated.] If one has uttered the benediction "By Whose word all things exist" over any kind of liquor, he has fulfilled his obligation.

Where [the Rabbis] order to say a long benediction, it is not permissible to say a short one. It is evident that one who took a cup of wine, and thinking that it was beer, commenced saying the benediction on the supposition that it was beer, and then concluded the benediction for wine, has complied with the requirements of the law ; because even if he had said "[Blessed]... by Whose word all things exist," he would also have complied with the requirements of the law. For there is a Mishnaic teaching : [not translated.] If one has uttered the benediction "By Whose word all things exist" over any kind of liquor, he has fulfilled his obligation.

But if one took a cup of beer, and thinking it was wine began the benediction for wine and concluded with the benediction for beer, how is it then ?

But if one took a cup of beer, and thinking it was wine began the benediction for wine and concluded with the benediction for beer, how is it then ?

Do we follow the main theme of the benediction or its conclusion ?

The general rule in this matter is, therefore, that it depends upon the conclusion of the benediction.

That is quite right according to Rab who declares that a benediction which does not contain the Divine Name is no benediction. But, according to R. Johanan who holds that a benediction which does not contain a reference to the Divine Kingship is no benediction, what is there to say?

That is quite right according to Rab who declares that a benediction which does not contain the Divine Name is no benediction. But, according to R. Johanan who holds that a benediction which does not contain a reference to the Divine Kingship is no benediction, what is there to say?

That is quite right according to Rab who declares that a benediction which does not contain the Divine Name is no benediction. But, according to R. Johanan who holds that a benediction which does not contain a reference to the Divine Kingship is no benediction, what is there to say?

That is quite right according to Rab who declares that a benediction which does not contain the Divine Name is no benediction. But, according to R. Johanan who holds that a benediction which does not contain a reference to the Divine Kingship is no benediction, what is there to say?

But since Rabbah b. 'Ulla has declared : "The purpose is to mention the characteristic of day at night and the characteristic of night in the day," having uttered the benediction and the reference to the Divine Kingship from the commencement, he said them of both.

Come and hear : From the latter clause [of the quoted Baraita] "The general rule in this matter is that it depends upon the conclusion of the benediction" — what does "the general rule in this matter" intend to include? Is it not to include what we have mentioned?

No ; it is to include the instance of bread and dates. How is this to be understood ? Are we to suppose that it refers to one who ate bread and thinking that it was dates he had eaten, commences the benediction on the supposition it was dates, but concludes with the benediction for bread ? This is the same as the last-mentioned case!

No ; it is to include the instance of bread and dates. How is this to be understood ? Are we to suppose that it refers to one who ate bread and thinking that it was dates he had eaten, commences the benediction on the supposition it was dates, but concludes with the benediction for bread ? This is the same as the last-mentioned case!

No, [the "general rule"] is necessary for the following : If, for instance, one ate dates, and thinking it was bread, commenced with the benediction for bread but concluded with the benediction for dates, he has complied with the requirements of the law ; for even if he had concluded with the benediction for bread, he would also have so complied.

No, [the "general rule"] is necessary for the following : If, for instance, one ate dates, and thinking it was bread, commenced with the benediction for bread but concluded with the benediction for dates, he has complied with the requirements of the law ; for even if he had concluded with the benediction for bread, he would also have so complied.

No, [the "general rule"] is necessary for the following : If, for instance, one ate dates, and thinking it was bread, commenced with the benediction for bread but concluded with the benediction for dates, he has complied with the requirements of the law ; for even if he had concluded with the benediction for bread, he would also have so complied.

II. The following are "between the sections" : Between the first benediction and the second ; between the second and "Hear, O Israel" ; between "Hear, O Israel" and "And it shall come to pass if ye shall hearken" ; between "And it shall come to pass if ye shall hearken" and "And the Lord spake" ; between "And the Lord spake" and "True and firm."

He replied : He may taste and there is nothing in that [point you raise]. There is a teaching to the same effect : A woman who tastes [her cooking] is not required to utter a benediction, and she who is undergoing a fast may taste and there is nothing in it.

Further, how could Rab be considered as holding the same opinion as R. Joshua b. Karhah ? For Rab Hiyya b. Ashe has said : On many occasions have I stood before Rab, who first washed his hands, uttered the benediction, taught us the chapters, laid Tefillin, and after that read the Shema' ! Shouldest thou argue that the time for reading the Shema' had not yet arrived, in that case what purpose is there in the testimony of Rab Hiyya b. Ashe?

[The object was] to refute him who declared that it is unnecessary to utter a benediction over the study of the Mishnah ; hence we are informed that likewise for the Mishnah it is necessary to utter a benediction.

[The object was] to refute him who declared that it is unnecessary to utter a benediction over the study of the Mishnah ; hence we are informed that likewise for the Mishnah it is necessary to utter a benediction.

[not translated] Only in the matter of the reading of the Shema, which is an ordinance of the Torah, does R. Jose say that the man has not fulfilled his obligation ; but in the matter of Terumah [the deaf man would have fulfilled it], because it is a question of saying the benediction and the saying of the benediction is ordained by the Rabbis, and [the validity of the Terumah] is not dependent upon the benediction.

[not translated] Only in the matter of the reading of the Shema, which is an ordinance of the Torah, does R. Jose say that the man has not fulfilled his obligation ; but in the matter of Terumah [the deaf man would have fulfilled it], because it is a question of saying the benediction and the saying of the benediction is ordained by the Rabbis, and [the validity of the Terumah] is not dependent upon the benediction.

[not translated] Only in the matter of the reading of the Shema, which is an ordinance of the Torah, does R. Jose say that the man has not fulfilled his obligation ; but in the matter of Terumah [the deaf man would have fulfilled it], because it is a question of saying the benediction and the saying of the benediction is ordained by the Rabbis, and [the validity of the Terumah] is not dependent upon the benediction.

And so there is a teaching : Labourers who are working for an employer should read the Shema' say the Tefillah, then eat their meal, but should not say Grace before it, only two benedictions after it. How is this meant? The first benediction as ordained; the second commences with the benediction of "the land," and they include "Who... rebuildest Jerusalem" in the benediction of "the land."

And so there is a teaching : Labourers who are working for an employer should read the Shema' say the Tefillah, then eat their meal, but should not say Grace before it, only two benedictions after it. How is this meant? The first benediction as ordained; the second commences with the benediction of "the land," and they include "Who... rebuildest Jerusalem" in the benediction of "the land."

And so there is a teaching : Labourers who are working for an employer should read the Shema' say the Tefillah, then eat their meal, but should not say Grace before it, only two benedictions after it. How is this meant? The first benediction as ordained; the second commences with the benediction of "the land," and they include "Who... rebuildest Jerusalem" in the benediction of "the land."

Our Rabbis have taught : [At the burial of] male and female slaves, we do not stand in a row for them, nor do we pronounce over them the benediction of mourners and the condolence of mourners.

It happened that R. Eliezer's female slave died and his disciples went in to comfort him. When he saw them, he ascended to an upper room, but they ascended after him. He went into the court-way, but they went after him. He entered the guest-chamber, but they entered after him. He said to them : I imagined you would be scalded with tepid water; but now you are not scalded even with hot water. Have I not taught you : [On the death of] male and female slaves, we do not stand in a row for them, nor do we pronounce over them the benediction of mourners and the condolence of mourners? What, however, do we say over them ? As we say to a man on the death of his ox or ass, "May the Omnipresent repair thy loss," so do we say to a man on the death of his slaves, "May the Omnipresent repair thy loss."

MISHNAH A Ba'al Keri meditates upon [the wording of the Shema'] in his heart and says neither the benediction before nor after. At his meal, he says the Grace after [in his heart] but not the Grace before. R. Judah declares : He says Grace before and after.

Whence is it that the benediction to be uttered before reading the Torah is ordained by the Torah? As it is said, "For I will proclaim the name of the Lord : ascribe ye greatness unto our God" (ibid. xxxii. 3).

R. Johanan said : We derive the injunction to utter a benediction after reading the Torah from the Grace after meals by a fortiori argument, and the injunction to say Grace before meals from the benediction over the reading of the Torah by a similar method of reasoning. We derive the injunction to utter a benediction after reading the Torah from the Grace after meals by a fortiori argument : If a meal which requires no benediction before it requires one after it, is it not right that the reading of the Torah, which does require a benediction before it, should require one after it ! And we derive the injunction to say Grace after meals from the benediction over the reading of the Torah by a similar method of reasoning : If the reading of the Torah, which requires no benediction after it, requires one before it, is it not right that a meal, which does require a benediction after it, should require one before it !

R. Johanan said : We derive the injunction to utter a benediction after reading the Torah from the Grace after meals by a fortiori argument, and the injunction to say Grace before meals from the benediction over the reading of the Torah by a similar method of reasoning. We derive the injunction to utter a benediction after reading the Torah from the Grace after meals by a fortiori argument : If a meal which requires no benediction before it requires one after it, is it not right that the reading of the Torah, which does require a benediction before it, should require one after it ! And we derive the injunction to say Grace after meals from the benediction over the reading of the Torah by a similar method of reasoning : If the reading of the Torah, which requires no benediction after it, requires one before it, is it not right that a meal, which does require a benediction after it, should require one before it !

R. Johanan said : We derive the injunction to utter a benediction after reading the Torah from the Grace after meals by a fortiori argument, and the injunction to say Grace before meals from the benediction over the reading of the Torah by a similar method of reasoning. We derive the injunction to utter a benediction after reading the Torah from the Grace after meals by a fortiori argument : If a meal which requires no benediction before it requires one after it, is it not right that the reading of the Torah, which does require a benediction before it, should require one after it ! And we derive the injunction to say Grace after meals from the benediction over the reading of the Torah by a similar method of reasoning : If the reading of the Torah, which requires no benediction after it, requires one before it, is it not right that a meal, which does require a benediction after it, should require one before it !

R. Johanan said : We derive the injunction to utter a benediction after reading the Torah from the Grace after meals by a fortiori argument, and the injunction to say Grace before meals from the benediction over the reading of the Torah by a similar method of reasoning. We derive the injunction to utter a benediction after reading the Torah from the Grace after meals by a fortiori argument : If a meal which requires no benediction before it requires one after it, is it not right that the reading of the Torah, which does require a benediction before it, should require one after it ! And we derive the injunction to say Grace after meals from the benediction over the reading of the Torah by a similar method of reasoning : If the reading of the Torah, which requires no benediction after it, requires one before it, is it not right that a meal, which does require a benediction after it, should require one before it !

R. Johanan said : We derive the injunction to utter a benediction after reading the Torah from the Grace after meals by a fortiori argument, and the injunction to say Grace before meals from the benediction over the reading of the Torah by a similar method of reasoning. We derive the injunction to utter a benediction after reading the Torah from the Grace after meals by a fortiori argument : If a meal which requires no benediction before it requires one after it, is it not right that the reading of the Torah, which does require a benediction before it, should require one after it ! And we derive the injunction to say Grace after meals from the benediction over the reading of the Torah by a similar method of reasoning : If the reading of the Torah, which requires no benediction after it, requires one before it, is it not right that a meal, which does require a benediction after it, should require one before it !

R. Johanan said : We derive the injunction to utter a benediction after reading the Torah from the Grace after meals by a fortiori argument, and the injunction to say Grace before meals from the benediction over the reading of the Torah by a similar method of reasoning. We derive the injunction to utter a benediction after reading the Torah from the Grace after meals by a fortiori argument : If a meal which requires no benediction before it requires one after it, is it not right that the reading of the Torah, which does require a benediction before it, should require one after it ! And we derive the injunction to say Grace after meals from the benediction over the reading of the Torah by a similar method of reasoning : If the reading of the Torah, which requires no benediction after it, requires one before it, is it not right that a meal, which does require a benediction after it, should require one before it !

R. Johanan said : We derive the injunction to utter a benediction after reading the Torah from the Grace after meals by a fortiori argument, and the injunction to say Grace before meals from the benediction over the reading of the Torah by a similar method of reasoning. We derive the injunction to utter a benediction after reading the Torah from the Grace after meals by a fortiori argument : If a meal which requires no benediction before it requires one after it, is it not right that the reading of the Torah, which does require a benediction before it, should require one after it ! And we derive the injunction to say Grace after meals from the benediction over the reading of the Torah by a similar method of reasoning : If the reading of the Torah, which requires no benediction after it, requires one before it, is it not right that a meal, which does require a benediction after it, should require one before it !

R. Johanan said : We derive the injunction to utter a benediction after reading the Torah from the Grace after meals by a fortiori argument, and the injunction to say Grace before meals from the benediction over the reading of the Torah by a similar method of reasoning. We derive the injunction to utter a benediction after reading the Torah from the Grace after meals by a fortiori argument : If a meal which requires no benediction before it requires one after it, is it not right that the reading of the Torah, which does require a benediction before it, should require one after it ! And we derive the injunction to say Grace after meals from the benediction over the reading of the Torah by a similar method of reasoning : If the reading of the Torah, which requires no benediction after it, requires one before it, is it not right that a meal, which does require a benediction after it, should require one before it !

One can, however, object to this reasoning : Why is Grace answered squired after a meal? Because it has been enjoyed. Why is a benediction required over the reading of the Torah ? Because it is life eternal. Moreover there is a teaching in our Mishnah: At his meal, he says the Grace after but not the Grace before ! The refutation [remains unanswered].

We have a teaching in our Mishnah : A Ba'al Keri meditates upon [the wording of the Shema'] in his heart and says neither the benediction before nor after. At his meal, he says the Grace after [in his heart] but not the Grace before.

But if it enter thy mind that "True and firm" is ordained by the Torah, then he should say the benediction after the Shema' !

And for what reason should he say this benediction ? If because it contains a reference to the Exodus from Egypt, he has already mentioned that in the Shema' !

Then let him say this benediction and there will be no necessity for the other ! The reading of the Shema' is more important because it contains two things.

Rab Judah also said in the name of Samuel : If a man was standing in the Tefillah and recollected that he had already said it, he must stop even in the middle of a benediction. But it is not so ! For lo, Rab Nahman has said : When we were at the school of Rabbah b. Abbuha we asked him, "How is it with those young disciples who made a mistake and said the week-day Tefillah on the Sabbath, should they finish it?" And he replied, "They should finish the whole of that benediction" !

Rab Judah also said in the name of Samuel : If a man was standing in the Tefillah and recollected that he had already said it, he must stop even in the middle of a benediction. But it is not so ! For lo, Rab Nahman has said : When we were at the school of Rabbah b. Abbuha we asked him, "How is it with those young disciples who made a mistake and said the week-day Tefillah on the Sabbath, should they finish it?" And he replied, "They should finish the whole of that benediction" !

But does R. Judah hold that meditation [is sufficient] ? For lo, there is a teaching : A Ba'al Keri who has no water in which to bathe should read the Shema', but without the benediction before and after ; and he eats his meal with Grace after but not before, but he meditates [upon the Grace before meals] in his heart without uttering it with his lips. These are the words of R. Meir ; but R. Judah says : He should utter them both!

But against this I quote : If one erred and did not mention the reference to rain in the benediction "Thou sustainest the living" or the request for rain in the benediction of "the Years," we make him repeat it ; but if he omitted the paragraph of "Division" in the benediction "Thou favourest man with knowledge," we do not make him repeat it, because he is able to say it over the cup [of wine]! The contradiction [remains unsolved].

But against this I quote : If one erred and did not mention the reference to rain in the benediction "Thou sustainest the living" or the request for rain in the benediction of "the Years," we make him repeat it ; but if he omitted the paragraph of "Division" in the benediction "Thou favourest man with knowledge," we do not make him repeat it, because he is able to say it over the cup [of wine]! The contradiction [remains unsolved].

But against this I quote : If one erred and did not mention the reference to rain in the benediction "Thou sustainest the living" or the request for rain in the benediction of "the Years," we make him repeat it ; but if he omitted the paragraph of "Division" in the benediction "Thou favourest man with knowledge," we do not make him repeat it, because he is able to say it over the cup [of wine]! The contradiction [remains unsolved].

R. Levi said : The benediction relating to the Minim was subsequently instituted at Jabneh. Corresponding to what was it instituted?

Our Rabbis have taught : Simeon the Cotton-dealer arranged the eighteen benedictions in order in the presence of Rabban Gamaliel at Jabneh. Rabban Gamaliel asked the Sages, "Is there anyone who knows how to word the benediction relating to the Minim?" Samuel the Small stood up and worded it.

Why did they not discharge him ? For lo, Rab Judah said in the name of Rab : If [the Precentor] errs in all the [eighteen] benedictions we do not discharge him ; but [if he errs] in the benediction relating to the Minim we do discharge him, for fear that he is a Min !

R. Joshua says : The abstract of the eighteen [benedictions]. What is the abstract of the eighteen ? Rab said : An abstract of each benediction. Samuel said : "Give us understanding, O Lord, our God, to know Thy ways ; circumcise our hearts to fear Thee, and forgive us so that we may be redeemed. Keep us far from our pains ; satiate us on the pastures of Thy land and gather our scattered ones from the four [corners of the earth]. Let them that go astray be judged according to Thy will, and wave Thy hand over the wicked. Let the righteous rejoice in the rebuilding of Thy city and in the establishment of Thy Temple, and in the flourishing of the horn of David Thy servant, and in the clear-shining light of the son of Jesse, Thine anointed. Even before we call, do Thou answer. Blessed art Thou, O Lord, Who hearkenest unto prayer."

Rab Nahman said in the name of Samuel : During the whole of the year, one may say the prayer "Give us understanding" except at the conclusion of the Sabbath and Festivals, because then it is necessary to say the "Division" in the benediction "Thou favourest man with knowledge."

Rabbah b. Samuel objected : Let him, then, say the fourth benediction separately ! Have we not the Mishnaic teaching : R. 'Akiba says : One may say the fourth benediction by itself ; R. Eliezer says : [One can say the "Division"] in the benediction of thanksgiving?

Rabbah b. Samuel objected : Let him, then, say the fourth benediction separately ! Have we not the Mishnaic teaching : R. 'Akiba says : One may say the fourth benediction by itself ; R. Eliezer says : [One can say the "Division"] in the benediction of thanksgiving?

Rabbah b. Samuel objected : Let him, then, say the fourth benediction separately ! Have we not the Mishnaic teaching : R. 'Akiba says : One may say the fourth benediction by itself ; R. Eliezer says : [One can say the "Division"] in the benediction of thanksgiving?

Rab Bebai b. Abbai said : The whole of the year one may say the prayer "Give us understanding" except during the rainy season, because it is necessary to add the request [for rain] in the benediction of "the Years." Mar Zotra objected : Let it be included in brief in the [shortened] prayer thus : "Satiate us on the pastures of Thy land, and give dew and rain" !

It would lead to confusion. If so, the inclusion of the "Division" in the benediction "Thou favourest man with knowledge" should likewise lead to confusion !

Rab Ashe objected : Let him say it in the benediction "Who hearkenest unto prayer" ; for R. Tanhum declared in the name of R. Assi : If a man erred and omitted the reference to rain in the benediction of "the Revival of the Dead," we make him repeat it ; [if he omitted] the request [for rain] in the benediction of "the Years," we do not make him repeat it, because he can include it in "Who hearkenest unto prayer" ; but [if he omitted] the "Division" in "Thou favourest man with knowledge," we do not make him repeat it, because he is able to say it over the cup of wine ! It is different with one who erred.

Rab Ashe objected : Let him say it in the benediction "Who hearkenest unto prayer" ; for R. Tanhum declared in the name of R. Assi : If a man erred and omitted the reference to rain in the benediction of "the Revival of the Dead," we make him repeat it ; [if he omitted] the request [for rain] in the benediction of "the Years," we do not make him repeat it, because he can include it in "Who hearkenest unto prayer" ; but [if he omitted] the "Division" in "Thou favourest man with knowledge," we do not make him repeat it, because he is able to say it over the cup of wine ! It is different with one who erred.

Rab Ashe objected : Let him say it in the benediction "Who hearkenest unto prayer" ; for R. Tanhum declared in the name of R. Assi : If a man erred and omitted the reference to rain in the benediction of "the Revival of the Dead," we make him repeat it ; [if he omitted] the request [for rain] in the benediction of "the Years," we do not make him repeat it, because he can include it in "Who hearkenest unto prayer" ; but [if he omitted] the "Division" in "Thou favourest man with knowledge," we do not make him repeat it, because he is able to say it over the cup of wine ! It is different with one who erred.

It was mentioned above : "R. Tanhum declared in the name of R. Assi : If a man erred and omitted the reference to rain in the benediction of 'the Revival of the Dead,' we make him repeat it; [if he omitted] the request [for rain] in the benediction of 'the Years,' we do not make him repeat it, because he can include it in 'Who hearkenest unto prayer' ; but [if he omitted] the 'Division' in 'Thou favourest man with knowledge,' we do not make him repeat it, because he is able to say it over the cup of wine!"

It was mentioned above : "R. Tanhum declared in the name of R. Assi : If a man erred and omitted the reference to rain in the benediction of 'the Revival of the Dead,' we make him repeat it; [if he omitted] the request [for rain] in the benediction of 'the Years,' we do not make him repeat it, because he can include it in 'Who hearkenest unto prayer' ; but [if he omitted] the 'Division' in 'Thou favourest man with knowledge,' we do not make him repeat it, because he is able to say it over the cup of wine!"

Against this is quoted : If one erred and omitted the reference to rain in the benediction of "the Revival of the Dead," we make him repeat it ; [if he omitted] the request [for rain] in the benediction of "the Years," we make him repeat it; but [if he omitted] the "Division" in "Thou favourest man with knowledge," we do not make him repeat it, because he is able to say it over the cup of wine !

Against this is quoted : If one erred and omitted the reference to rain in the benediction of "the Revival of the Dead," we make him repeat it ; [if he omitted] the request [for rain] in the benediction of "the Years," we make him repeat it; but [if he omitted] the "Division" in "Thou favourest man with knowledge," we do not make him repeat it, because he is able to say it over the cup of wine !

Nay, both the teachings refer to one praying alone and there is no contradiction ; the statement [of R. Tanhum] refers to one who reminds himself [that he had omitted the prayer for rain] before reaching the benediction "Who hearkenest unto prayer,"

whereas the statement [of the Baraita] refers to one who reminds himself [of the omission] after having said the benediction "Who hearkenest unto prayer."

R. Tanhum said in the name of R. Assi, in the name of R. Joshua b. Levi : If a man erred and omitted the reference to the New Moon in the sixteenth benediction, he must repeat it. If he reminded himself thereof in the seventeenth benediction, he goes back to the sixteenth ; if in the eighteenth, he goes back to the sixteenth. If he had concluded the Tefillah, he must recommence it.

R. Tanhum said in the name of R. Assi, in the name of R. Joshua b. Levi : If a man erred and omitted the reference to the New Moon in the sixteenth benediction, he must repeat it. If he reminded himself thereof in the seventeenth benediction, he goes back to the sixteenth ; if in the eighteenth, he goes back to the sixteenth. If he had concluded the Tefillah, he must recommence it.

Rab Pappa the son of Rab Aha b. Adda said : The statement "If he had concluded the Tefillah, he must recommence it" only applies should he have moved his feet ; but if he has not done so, he returns to the sixteenth benediction.

Rab Nahman b. Isaac said : The statement that if he had moved his feet he must recommence the Tefillah applies only to one who is not accustomed to offer personal supplications at its conclusion ; but if that be his practice, he returns to the sixteenth benediction.

Another version is : Rab Nahman b. Isaac said : The statement that if he had not moved his feet, he returns to the sixteenth benediction applies only to one who is accustomed to offer personal supplication at the conclusion of the Tefillah ; but if that be not his practice, he goes back to its commencement.

Although it has been said that one may pray for his personal needs in the benediction "Who hearkenest unto prayer," if he desires to add after the Tefillah even something like the order of [confession for] the Day of Atonement, he may do so.

MISHNAH We refer to rain in the benediction of "the Revival of the Dead" and the request [for rain] in the benediction of "the Years," and the "Division" in "Thou favourest man with knowledge." R. 'Akiba says : One should say the last mentioned as a fourth benediction by itself. R. Eliezer says : [It is to be included] in the "Thanksgiving."