benedictions

May Ne`ilah free one from evening prayers? Rebbi Abba, Rav Ḥuna in the name of Rav: Ne`ilah frees one from evening prayers. Rebbi Abba said to Rav Ḥuna: How may he mention havdalah? Rebbi Jonah said to Rebbi Abba: How may seven free one from eighteen? He said to him, did I not already contradict it? He said to him: Because you contradicted it, should it be abandoned? Rebbi Yose said, what Rebbi Abba asked is truly difficult. What Rebbi Jonah asked is not at all difficult; they made it easy on people because of the fast, that seven should free one from eighteen. Rebbi Abba bar Mamal said to his colleagues: From all of them I understand that Ne`ilah does not free one from evening prayers. Rebbi Simon in the name of Rebbi <joshua ben> Levi: Ne`ilah does not free one from evening prayers. Rebbi Yose bar Abun said: Did not Rebbi Ḥiyya state this? “Every day one prays eighteen benedictions, including the end of Sabbath, end of Yom Kippur, and end of public fast days.”

Rebbi Mana said in the name of Rebbi Jehudah who said in the name of Rebbi Yose the Galilean: If one interrupted so that he would have been able to read all of it, he did not fulfill his duty. Rebbi Abba, Rav Jeremiah in the name of Rav: The practice follows Rebbi Mana who said in the name of Rebbi Jehudah who said in the name of Rebbi Yose the Galilean, “if one interrupted.”. Rebbi Joḥanan in the name of Rebbi Simeon ben Josadaq: The same applies to Hallel and the Esther Scroll. Abba bar Rav Huna and Rav Ḥisda sat together and said, the same rule applies to blowing the Shofar. They went up to (Rebbi’s) <rav’s> Yeshivah and heard Rav Ḥuna in the name of Rav: Even if one heard it in up to nine hours he fulfilled his obligation. Rebbi Ze`ira said: When I was there, this was a problem for me. When I came here, I heard Rebbi Yasa in the name of Rebbi Joḥanan: Even if one heard it during an entire day, one has fulfilled one’s obligation. But only if one heard it in the correct order. Rebbi Yose investigated: If one needed to hear the initial simple tone and another one the final simple tone, one blow of the Shofar serves the requirements of both of them. Rebbi Abun bar Ḥiyya investigated: The recitation of Shema` with its benedictions, the recitation of Shema` without its benedictions, its benedictions without it? If he interrupted after a third, interrupted after a second third? Does one estimate by the reader’s speed or by the average speed of all men? Rebbi Mattaniah said, is it not reasonable by the reader’s?

Rebbi Mana said in the name of Rebbi Jehudah who said in the name of Rebbi Yose the Galilean: If one interrupted so that he would have been able to read all of it, he did not fulfill his duty. Rebbi Abba, Rav Jeremiah in the name of Rav: The practice follows Rebbi Mana who said in the name of Rebbi Jehudah who said in the name of Rebbi Yose the Galilean, “if one interrupted.”. Rebbi Joḥanan in the name of Rebbi Simeon ben Josadaq: The same applies to Hallel and the Esther Scroll. Abba bar Rav Huna and Rav Ḥisda sat together and said, the same rule applies to blowing the Shofar. They went up to (Rebbi’s) <rav’s> Yeshivah and heard Rav Ḥuna in the name of Rav: Even if one heard it in up to nine hours he fulfilled his obligation. Rebbi Ze`ira said: When I was there, this was a problem for me. When I came here, I heard Rebbi Yasa in the name of Rebbi Joḥanan: Even if one heard it during an entire day, one has fulfilled one’s obligation. But only if one heard it in the correct order. Rebbi Yose investigated: If one needed to hear the initial simple tone and another one the final simple tone, one blow of the Shofar serves the requirements of both of them. Rebbi Abun bar Ḥiyya investigated: The recitation of Shema` with its benedictions, the recitation of Shema` without its benedictions, its benedictions without it? If he interrupted after a third, interrupted after a second third? Does one estimate by the reader’s speed or by the average speed of all men? Rebbi Mattaniah said, is it not reasonable by the reader’s?

Rebbi Mana said in the name of Rebbi Jehudah who said in the name of Rebbi Yose the Galilean: If one interrupted so that he would have been able to read all of it, he did not fulfill his duty. Rebbi Abba, Rav Jeremiah in the name of Rav: The practice follows Rebbi Mana who said in the name of Rebbi Jehudah who said in the name of Rebbi Yose the Galilean, “if one interrupted.”. Rebbi Joḥanan in the name of Rebbi Simeon ben Josadaq: The same applies to Hallel and the Esther Scroll. Abba bar Rav Huna and Rav Ḥisda sat together and said, the same rule applies to blowing the Shofar. They went up to (Rebbi’s) <rav’s> Yeshivah and heard Rav Ḥuna in the name of Rav: Even if one heard it in up to nine hours he fulfilled his obligation. Rebbi Ze`ira said: When I was there, this was a problem for me. When I came here, I heard Rebbi Yasa in the name of Rebbi Joḥanan: Even if one heard it during an entire day, one has fulfilled one’s obligation. But only if one heard it in the correct order. Rebbi Yose investigated: If one needed to hear the initial simple tone and another one the final simple tone, one blow of the Shofar serves the requirements of both of them. Rebbi Abun bar Ḥiyya investigated: The recitation of Shema` with its benedictions, the recitation of Shema` without its benedictions, its benedictions without it? If he interrupted after a third, interrupted after a second third? Does one estimate by the reader’s speed or by the average speed of all men? Rebbi Mattaniah said, is it not reasonable by the reader’s?

Rebbi Ze`ira asked: These three that are called, how are you treating them? As three who ate together or as three who ate each one for himself? If you treat them as three who ate together then the first one recites the benediction before, the last one recites the benediction after, and the middle one does not recite any benediction at all. If you treat them as three who ate each one for himself then even the middle one recites benedictions before and after. Rebbi Samuel ben Eudaimon said, they did learn the benedictions for the Torah from Grace only in public. If in public, then in private one should not recite any benediction! Rebbi Abba Mari, the brother of Rebbi Yose, said: They made it equal to other commandments of the Torah. Just as other commandments of the Torah need benedictions, this also needs a benediction.

Rebbi Ze`ira asked: These three that are called, how are you treating them? As three who ate together or as three who ate each one for himself? If you treat them as three who ate together then the first one recites the benediction before, the last one recites the benediction after, and the middle one does not recite any benediction at all. If you treat them as three who ate each one for himself then even the middle one recites benedictions before and after. Rebbi Samuel ben Eudaimon said, they did learn the benedictions for the Torah from Grace only in public. If in public, then in private one should not recite any benediction! Rebbi Abba Mari, the brother of Rebbi Yose, said: They made it equal to other commandments of the Torah. Just as other commandments of the Torah need benedictions, this also needs a benediction.

Rebbi Ze`ira asked: These three that are called, how are you treating them? As three who ate together or as three who ate each one for himself? If you treat them as three who ate together then the first one recites the benediction before, the last one recites the benediction after, and the middle one does not recite any benediction at all. If you treat them as three who ate each one for himself then even the middle one recites benedictions before and after. Rebbi Samuel ben Eudaimon said, they did learn the benedictions for the Torah from Grace only in public. If in public, then in private one should not recite any benediction! Rebbi Abba Mari, the brother of Rebbi Yose, said: They made it equal to other commandments of the Torah. Just as other commandments of the Torah need benedictions, this also needs a benediction.

Rebbi Samuel bar Naḥman said, Rebbi Jonathan passed by the synagogue. He heard their voices reading without benedictions. He said to them, how long are you making the Torah out of bald spots! Moses instituted that the Torah should be read on Sabbath, holidays, New Moons, and on the intermediate days of holidays. Ezra instituted that the Torah should be read on Mondays and Thursdays, and on Sabbath afternoon. He instituted immersion for people with emissions of semen. He instituted that law courts should sit in large villages on Mondays and Thursdays. He instituted that peddlars make the circuit of villages because of the honor of the daughters of Israel. He instituted that one should wash on Thursdays for the honor of the Sabbath. He instituted that one should bake bread on Fridays so that a piece be available for the poor. He instituted that one eat garlic on Friday Night, because it brings love and removes desire. He instituted that women should talk with one another in the toilet. He instituted that a woman wear an apron front and back. Rebbi Tanḥum bar Ḥiyya said, because of what had happened. It happened that a woman was raped by an ape, both regular and irregular intercourse. He instituted that a woman may wash and comb her hair up to three days before her purity. Rebbi Yose in the name of the House of Rebbi Yannai, Rebbi Abba bar Cohen in the name of Rav Ḥuna: Corresponding to the Sabbath and the two days of holiday in the Diaspora. Rebbi Ze`ira in the name of Rav Jehudah: only if the time of her immersion is in the meantime. Rebbi Abba in the name of Rav Jehudah: even if the time of her immersion is at the end. Then Rebbi Ze`ira was looking at him. He said to him, what are you looking at me? What do you know that we do not know, you understand what is not with us? There came Rebbi Aḥa in the name of Rebbi Tanḥum ben Rebbi Ḥiyya and reported the reason: even if the time of her immersion is at the end; I am saying that maybe her spring is far away and she is lazy and not pure.

MISHNAH: One does not split the Shema`, nor stand in front of the Ark, nor lift his hands nor read in the Torah, nor close with Prophets, nor proceed standing and sitting, nor recite benedictions for mourners or bridegrooms, nor say Grace invoking the Name, with less than ten attendants; in matters of real estate nine and a Cohen, and similarly about humans.

“One does not recite benedictions for mourners or bridegrooms.” It was stated, the marriage benedictions are said all seven days. Rebbi Jeremiah wanted to say that one re-enacts the marriage all seven days. Rebbi Yose said to him, did not Rebbi Ḥiyya state, the benedictions for mourners are said all seven days? Can you say that one buries the dead all seven days? How is that? Since here he enjoys with him, so there he consoles with him. As here one remembers, so there one remembers.

“One does not recite benedictions for mourners or bridegrooms.” It was stated, the marriage benedictions are said all seven days. Rebbi Jeremiah wanted to say that one re-enacts the marriage all seven days. Rebbi Yose said to him, did not Rebbi Ḥiyya state, the benedictions for mourners are said all seven days? Can you say that one buries the dead all seven days? How is that? Since here he enjoys with him, so there he consoles with him. As here one remembers, so there one remembers.

“One does not recite benedictions for mourners or bridegrooms.” It was stated, the marriage benedictions are said all seven days. Rebbi Jeremiah wanted to say that one re-enacts the marriage all seven days. Rebbi Yose said to him, did not Rebbi Ḥiyya state, the benedictions for mourners are said all seven days? Can you say that one buries the dead all seven days? How is that? Since here he enjoys with him, so there he consoles with him. As here one remembers, so there one remembers.

MISHNAH: But the following must be said in the holy language: The recitation for the first fruits, ḥalîṣah, blessings and curses, the priestly blessing, the benedictions of the High Priest, the portion about the king, the portion about the calf whose neck was broken, the [priest] anointed for war at the time he speaks to the people. The recitation for the first fruits, how? “You shall begin and say before the Eternal, your God” but further on it says, “the Levites shall begin and say to all the men of Israel in an elevated voice”. Since “beginning” further on means in the holy language, so also here in the holy language. Ḥalîṣah how? “She shall begin and say: So shall be done to the man” but further on it says, “the Levites shall begin and say to all the men of Israel in an elevated voice”. Since “beginning” further on means in the holy language, so also here in the holy language. Rebbi Jehudah says, “She shall begin and say so,” [it is invalid] unless she says exactly that text.

MISHNAH: How is the priestly blessing? In the countryside they recited it as three blessings, but in the Temple as one blessing. In the Temple one says the Name as it is written, but in the countryside by its circumlocution. In the countryside the Cohanim lift their hands to the height of their shoulders but in the Temple over their heads except for the High Priest who does not lift his hands over the diadem. Rebbi Jehudah says, the High Priest also lifts his hands over his head, as it is said: “Aaron lifted his hands towards the people and blessed them.” How are the blessings of the High Priest? The organizer of the synagogue takes a Torah scroll and gives it to the president of the synagogue; the president of the synagogue gives it to the Second; the Second gives it to the High Priest. The High priest receives it standing, he stands and reads “after the death” and “but on the tenth”; he rolls the Torah tight, puts it in his bosom and says: More than what I read before you is written here. “And on the tenth” in Numbers he recites by heart, and recites eight benedictions: For the Torah, for the Temple service, for thanksgiving, for forgiveness of sins, for the Temple, for Israel, for the Cohanim, and the remainder of the prayer.

He recites eight benedictions: For the Torah, “He who chooses the Torah.” For the Temple service, “For You alone in fear we worship.” For thanksgiving, “the Good One, You one must thank.” For forgiveness of sins, “He Who forgives the sins of His people Israel in mercy.” For the Temple, “He Who chooses the Temple”; and Rebbi Idi said, “He Who dwells in Zion.” For Israel, “He Who chooses Israel.” For the Cohanim, “He Who chooses the Cohanim.” And the remainder of the prayer, “entreaty and begging, for Your people Israel need to be helped before You; Praise to You, Eternal, Who hears prayer”.

MISHNAH: And he reads from the beginning of “These are the words” to Šema‘,Šema‘, “And it shall be if you listen,” “tithing you shall tithe,” “when you will have finished tithing,” blessings and curses [and the paragraph of the king], until he finishes the entire paragraph. The benedictions which the High Priest recites, the king recites, except that he substitutes “for the holidays of pilgrimage” instead of “forgiving of sins”.

It was stated: The marriage benedictions are said all seven days. [Rebbi Jeremiah wanted to say that one re-enacts the marriage all seven days.] Rebbi Yose said to him, but did not Rebbi Ḥiyya state: The benedictions of mourners are said all seven days. Can you say that one buries the dead all seven days? How is that? Since here he consoles with him, so there he enjoys with him; as here one remembers, so there one remembers.

It was stated: The marriage benedictions are said all seven days. [Rebbi Jeremiah wanted to say that one re-enacts the marriage all seven days.] Rebbi Yose said to him, but did not Rebbi Ḥiyya state: The benedictions of mourners are said all seven days. Can you say that one buries the dead all seven days? How is that? Since here he consoles with him, so there he enjoys with him; as here one remembers, so there one remembers.

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?

“At a place where they used not to sell one does not sell.” Why? Because he eliminates the duty of shearing. Think of it, if it was a goat! Because he eliminates the duty of the first-born. Think of it, if it was a male! Because he eliminates the gifts. Then one should not sell wheat to them because he eliminates the duty of ḥallah; then one should not sell wine and oil to them because he eliminates the duty of benedictions.

If this be so, in the sequel where he teaches : 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, let him likewise treat of the evening first !

Mar b. Rabina quoted in objection : In the evening [the reading of the Shema'] is both preceded and followed by two benedictions. If, then, thou sayest that the Ge'ullah must be joined to the Tefillah, behold that condition is not fulfilled because one is required to say the prayer "Cause us, O Lord our God, to lie down!

Since the verse : "Let the words of my mouth be acceptable before Thee" might with equal propriety be said at the conclusion or the commencement [of the Tefillah], why did the Rabbis institute it at the end of the Eighteen Benedictions? Let it be said at the commencement!

R. Judah, the son of R. Simeon b. Pazzi, answered : Since David only says this verse after eighteen Psalms, therefore the Rabbis arranged it at the end of the Eighteen Benedictions.

Against this view I quote : He who reads [the Shema'] from that time onward incurs no loss ; he is regarded as one reading in the Torah, but he must precede it with two benedictions and follow it with one ! This refutation of Rab Hisda's view remains unshaken. Some declare:

Rab Hisda said in the name of Mar 'Ukba : What means he incurs no loss? He loses none of the benedictions. There is a teaching to the same effect : He who reads [the Shema'] from that time onward incurs no loss ; he is regarded as one reading in the Torah, but he must precede it with two benedictions and follow it with one.

Rab Hisda said in the name of Mar 'Ukba : What means he incurs no loss? He loses none of the benedictions. There is a teaching to the same effect : He who reads [the Shema'] from that time onward incurs no loss ; he is regarded as one reading in the Torah, but he must precede it with two benedictions and follow it with one.

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 ;

GEMARA Which benedictions does one say [in the morning]?

Rab Hamnuna said : "[Blessed]... Who hast chosen us from all nations and given us Thy Torah. Blessed art Thou, O Lord, Who givest the Torah." Rab Hamnuna said : This is the choicest of benedictions.

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.

But R. Zerika stated that R. Ammi said in the name of R. Simeon b. Lakish : It is "Who formest light." When Rab Isaac b. Joseph came [from Palestine], he said : The statement of R. Zerika was not explicitly made but was inferred ; for what R. Zerika stated that R. Ammi said in the name of R. Simeon b. Lakish was : This teaches that the benedictions do not invalidate one another.

Now it is quite right if thou maintainest that [the priests] recited "Who formest light" ; then it would follow that the benedictions do not invalidate one another, for they omitted "With abounding love."

Shouldest thou, on the other hand, maintain that they recited "With abounding love," how would it follow that the benedictions do not invalidate one another? Perhaps the reason they omitted "Who formest light" was because it was not yet time for that prayer, and when the proper time arrived, they said it!

It might have been inferred that it was certainly "With abounding love" that [the priests] recited, and when the proper time for reciting "Who formest light" arrived, they said it; and what means "The benedictions do not invalidate one another"? The order of the benedictions.

It might have been inferred that it was certainly "With abounding love" that [the priests] recited, and when the proper time for reciting "Who formest light" arrived, they said it; and what means "The benedictions do not invalidate one another"? The order of the benedictions.

Our Rabbis have taught: Labourers who are working for an employer should read the Shema', say the benedictions before and after, eat their meal with Grace before and after, and then pray the Eighteen Benedictions; but they cannot descend before the Ark nor raise their hands.

Our Rabbis have taught: Labourers who are working for an employer should read the Shema', say the benedictions before and after, eat their meal with Grace before and after, and then pray the Eighteen Benedictions; but they cannot descend before the Ark nor raise their hands.

But lo, there is a teaching: [Such men are to say] an abstract of the Eighteen Benedictions! Rab Sheshet said : There is no contradiction ; the first being Rabban Gamaliel's view, the latter R. Joshua's.

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."

MISHNAH Rabban Gamaliel says: Every day one should pray the eighteen [benedictions]. R. Joshua says : The abstract of the eighteen [benedictions]. R. 'Akiba says: If his prayer is fluent in his mouth, he should pray the eighteen ; but if not, an abstract of the eighteen.

MISHNAH Rabban Gamaliel says: Every day one should pray the eighteen [benedictions]. R. Joshua says : The abstract of the eighteen [benedictions]. R. 'Akiba says: If his prayer is fluent in his mouth, he should pray the eighteen ; but if not, an abstract of the eighteen.

GEMARA To what do these eighteen benedictions correspond ?

As to those eighteen benedictions — there are nineteen !

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 !

To what do the seven Sabbath-benedictions correspond ? R. Halafta b. Saul said: To the seven "voices" which David mentioned concerning the waters (Ps. xxix.).

To what do the nine benedictions in the New Year Tefillah correspond ? R. Isaac of Kartignin said : To the nine references to the Divine Name which Hannah made in her prayer (I Sam. ii. 1-10) ; for the teacher said : On the New Year's day Sarah, Rachel and Hannah were "visited."

To what do the twenty-four benedictions of the fast day correspond ? R. Helbo said: To the twenty-four "cries" Solomon mentioned when he brought the Ark into the house of the Holy of Holies (I Kings viii.). In that case, one should say them every day! [No ;] when did Solomon say them ? On a day of supplication ; and so we likewise say them on a day of supplication.

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."

But do we act the whole of the year in accordance with R. 'Akiba's view that we should do so now [at the conclusion of the Sabbath and Festivals] ? On what ground do we not follow R. 'Akiba's view during the whole year ? Because eighteen benedictions were instituted, not nineteen ; and so here also, seven were instituted, not eight.

"What is the difference between "Give us understanding" and the short prayer? "Give us understanding" requires three benedictions before and three after it, and when he reaches his house, he need not again say the Tefillah ; whereas with the short prayer there is no necessity to utter the three benedictions before and after, but when he reaches his house, he must say the Tefillah.

"What is the difference between "Give us understanding" and the short prayer? "Give us understanding" requires three benedictions before and three after it, and when he reaches his house, he need not again say the Tefillah ; whereas with the short prayer there is no necessity to utter the three benedictions before and after, but when he reaches his house, he must say the Tefillah.

Rab Shamman b. Abba said to R. Johanan, "It is a fact that the men of the Great Assembly instituted for Israel benedictions and prayers, Sanctifications and Divisions ; let us see where it was arranged [for the Habdalah to be said]."

It has been similarly reported : R. Hiyya. b. Abba said in the name of R. Johanan : The men of the Great Assembly instituted for Israel benedictions and prayers, Sanctifications and Divisions. At first they fixed [the Habdalah] in the Tefillah; when the people became prosperous, they arranged for it to be said over the cup of wine ; when they again became poor, they fixed it in the Tefillah ; and they said : He who pronounces the "Division" in the Tefillah must do it again over the cup of wine.

"Do we, then, act in accordance with R. 'Akiba the whole year, that we should now agree and act in accord with his view? Why do we not act in agreement with R. 'Akiba the whole year? Because eighteen benedictions were instituted, not nineteen; and so here also, seven benedictions were instituted, not eight."

"Do we, then, act in accordance with R. 'Akiba the whole year, that we should now agree and act in accord with his view? Why do we not act in agreement with R. 'Akiba the whole year? Because eighteen benedictions were instituted, not nineteen; and so here also, seven benedictions were instituted, not eight."

He who steps before the Ark should not respond "Amen" after [the benedictions of] the Kohanim because it might cause him confusion. If there be no other Kohen there but himself he does not raise his hands [for the priestly benediction] ; but if he is confident that he can raise his hands and return to the Tefillah, he is permitted.

Rab Huna said : If he erred in the first three benedictions [of Tefillah], he commences again at the beginning; if in the middle benedictions, he returns to "Thou favourest man with knowledge" ; if in the last [three], he returns to the "Service."

Rab Huna said : If he erred in the first three benedictions [of Tefillah], he commences again at the beginning; if in the middle benedictions, he returns to "Thou favourest man with knowledge" ; if in the last [three], he returns to the "Service."

Rab Assi said : The middle benedictions have no order.

but Rab Huna can reply : The middle benedictions are all one benediction.

Rab Judah said: A man should never pray for his personal needs in the first three or last three benedictions, but in the middle ones. For R. Hannina said : [When saying] the first three benedictions, he is like a slave recounting praise before his master ; [when saying] the middle benedictions, he is like a slave begging a reward from his master ; [when saying] the last three benedictions, he is like a slave who, receiving a reward from his master, takes his departure and goes away.

Rab Judah said: A man should never pray for his personal needs in the first three or last three benedictions, but in the middle ones. For R. Hannina said : [When saying] the first three benedictions, he is like a slave recounting praise before his master ; [when saying] the middle benedictions, he is like a slave begging a reward from his master ; [when saying] the last three benedictions, he is like a slave who, receiving a reward from his master, takes his departure and goes away.

Rab Judah said: A man should never pray for his personal needs in the first three or last three benedictions, but in the middle ones. For R. Hannina said : [When saying] the first three benedictions, he is like a slave recounting praise before his master ; [when saying] the middle benedictions, he is like a slave begging a reward from his master ; [when saying] the last three benedictions, he is like a slave who, receiving a reward from his master, takes his departure and goes away.

Rab Judah said: A man should never pray for his personal needs in the first three or last three benedictions, but in the middle ones. For R. Hannina said : [When saying] the first three benedictions, he is like a slave recounting praise before his master ; [when saying] the middle benedictions, he is like a slave begging a reward from his master ; [when saying] the last three benedictions, he is like a slave who, receiving a reward from his master, takes his departure and goes away.

Our Rabbis have taught : These are the benedictions at which a man bends low ; at the beginning and end of the "Patriarchs" and at the beginning and end of the "Thanksgiving." Should anyone come to bend low at the end and beginning of every benediction, we tell him not to do so.

Let him go to a Sage ! What can he do for him, seeing that he has done what is forbidden ? But, said Raba : [The meaning is,] let him from the first go to a Sage who will teach him the benedictions, so that he should not come to commit sacrilege.

If so, let him utter three benedictions ! But men do not fix their meals for its sake.

Do they not? Lo, there is a teaching : He who chews wheat should say the benediction "...Who createst the fruit of the ground"; if he ground it, baked and then boiled it, should the pieces of bread be still whole, before partaking thereof he says "...Who bringest forth bread from the earth" and afterwards he says the three benedictions; but if the pieces are no longer whole, he first says "...Who createst various kinds of foods" and afterwards one benediction which is an abstract of three.

According to whom [is this teaching]? If I say it is R. Johanan b. Nuri who declared "Rice is a kind of corn," then one should say "...Who bringest forth bread from the earth" and the three benedictions!

But there is a teaching: After partaking thereof no benediction is required ! Rab Sheshet said : There is no contradiction : one being the opinion of Rabban Gamaliel, the other of the Rabbis. For there is a teaching : This is the general rule — Any food which belongs to the seven species, Rabban Gamaliel says : Three benedictions [are required after partaking thereof], whereas the Rabbis say : One benediction which is an abstract of three.

and is not a kind of corn, or if a kind of corn it has not been made into bread, Rabban Gamaliel declares three benedictions [are required after partaking thereof], but the Sages declare: Only one benediction. And any food which does not belong to the seven species and is not a kind of corn, for instance, bread of rice or millet, Rabban Gamaliel declares: One benediction which is an abstract of three, but the Sages declare : None at all.

According to whom, then, dost thou confirm [the teaching: After partaking of rice one benediction which is an abstract of three is necessary] ? According to Rabban Gamaliel. I will quote the latter part of the first teaching, viz. : "If the pieces are no longer whole, he first says '...Who createst various kinds of foods' and afterwards one benediction which is an abstract of three." Whose teaching is this ? If Rabban Gamaliel's, since he has just declared that for dates and pounded grain three benedictions are necessary, how much more necessary should they be if the pieces are no longer whole!

Rab Joseph said : Over the Habis which contains pieces of bread the size of an olive, before partaking thereof the benediction is "...Who bringest forth bread from the earth," and afterwards three benedictions. If it does not contain pieces of bread the size of an olive, before partaking thereof the benediction is "...Who createst various kinds of foods" and afterwards one benediction which is an abstract of three.

Mar Zotra made a meal of it and said the benediction "...Who bringest forth bread from the earth" and [afterwards] the three benedictions.

The Rabbis praised Rab Zebid the father of R. Simeon b. Rab Zebid to R. Zera as being a great man and expert in the benedictions. R. Zera said to them, "Should he come to you bring him to me." On one occasion Rab Zebid paid him a visit. He was handed some bread, and began the benediction [using the word] mosi'. R. Zera exclaimed, "Is this he of whom they declare he is a great man and expert in the benedictions ! It would have been right if he had said hammosi';

The Rabbis praised Rab Zebid the father of R. Simeon b. Rab Zebid to R. Zera as being a great man and expert in the benedictions. R. Zera said to them, "Should he come to you bring him to me." On one occasion Rab Zebid paid him a visit. He was handed some bread, and began the benediction [using the word] mosi'. R. Zera exclaimed, "Is this he of whom they declare he is a great man and expert in the benedictions ! It would have been right if he had said hammosi';

Let us say that this is like [the following controversy of] the Tannaim : If one sees bread and exclaims, "How fine is this bread ; blessed be the All-present Who created it," he has complied with the requirements of the law. If he sees a fig and exclaims, "How fine is this fig, blessed be the All-present Who created it," he has likewise complied. These are the words of R. Meir ; but R. Jose says : Whoever changes the form which the Sages assigned to the benedictions has not fulfilled his obligation. Let us say that Rab Huna is in agreement with R. Jose and R. Johanan with R. Meir!

But lo, we require three benedictions! What means, then, "he has complied with the requirements of the law" as stated by Rab? He has complied so far as the first benediction is concerned.

MISHNAH If one ate grapes, figs or pomegranates, he says after them the three benedictions. These are the words of Rabban Gamaliel ; but the Sages declare : One benediction which is an abstract of three. R. 'Akiba says : Even if one eats [nothing but] boiled vegetables and makes a meal of it, he pronounces thereover the three benedictions. If one drinks water to slake his thirst, he says the benediction "...By Whose word all things exist "; R. Tarphon says : "...Who createst many living beings and their wants."

MISHNAH If one ate grapes, figs or pomegranates, he says after them the three benedictions. These are the words of Rabban Gamaliel ; but the Sages declare : One benediction which is an abstract of three. R. 'Akiba says : Even if one eats [nothing but] boiled vegetables and makes a meal of it, he pronounces thereover the three benedictions. If one drinks water to slake his thirst, he says the benediction "...By Whose word all things exist "; R. Tarphon says : "...Who createst many living beings and their wants."

One taught : He who responds "Amen" after his own benedictions is praiseworthy ; but another taught : He is to be reprimanded.

There is no contradiction; the former refers to "Who...rebuildest Jerusalem," the latter to the other benedictions.

Rab Isaac b. Samuel b. Marta said in the name of Rab : Thou mayest know that "Who art kind and dealest kindly" is not ordained by the Torah, because it opens with "Blessed" and does not conclude with "Blessed"; according to the teaching: One commences all benedictions with "Blessed" and concludes them with "Blessed," excepting the benediction over fruits, commandments, one benediction which follows immediately on another, and the last benediction of the reading of the Shema'. In some of these instances one opens with "Blessed" but does not conclude with it ;

Bet Shammai say : [The order of benedictions is] light, food, spices and Habdalah; but Bet Hillel say : Light, spices, food and Habdalah.

Do Bet Shammai, however, hold that the benediction over the day is of greater importance? Lo, there is a teaching: On entering his house at the conclusion of the Sabbath, he says the benediction over the wine, the light and the spices and after that says the Habdalah ; and should he have only one cup [of wine], he leaves it until after the meal and combines all [the benedictions] afterwards.

That cannot enter thy mind; for it states here in our Mishnah: Bet Shammai say : [The order of benedictions is] light, food, spices and Habdalah ; but Bet Hillel say : Light, spices, food and Habdalah ; and there in the Baraita it states : "Should he have only one cup [of wine], he leaves it until after the meal and combines all [the benedictions] afterwards." Conclude therefore that it emanates from Bet Shammai as interpreted by R. Judah.

That cannot enter thy mind; for it states here in our Mishnah: Bet Shammai say : [The order of benedictions is] light, food, spices and Habdalah ; but Bet Hillel say : Light, spices, food and Habdalah ; and there in the Baraita it states : "Should he have only one cup [of wine], he leaves it until after the meal and combines all [the benedictions] afterwards." Conclude therefore that it emanates from Bet Shammai as interpreted by R. Judah.

Bet Shammai say: [The order of benedictions is] light, food, etc.

But it mentions above thanksgiving and praise ! It has been taught : For Lot and his wife we say two benedictions — for his wife one says, "Blessed be the true Judge" ; and for Lot one says, "Blessed... Who rememberest the righteous." R. Johanan said : Even at the time of His wrath, the Holy One, blessed be He, remembers the righteous ; as it is said, "And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the Plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow" (Gen. xix. 29).

Rab Hamnuna expounded : Who sees the wicked Babylon should utter five benedictions. If he sees Babylon, he says "Blessed... Who hast destroyed wicked Babylon." If he sees the palace of Nebuchadnezzar, he says "Blessed...Who hast destroyed the palace of Nebuchadnezzar." If he sees the den of lions or the fiery furnace, he says "Blessed ...Who hast performed miracles for our fathers in this place." If he sees a statue of Hermes, he says "Blessed... Who hast shown long-suffering to those who transgress Thy will." If he sees a place [in Babylon] from which dust is being taken away, he says "Blessed...Who sayest and doest, Who doth decree and fulfil."

When Raba saw asses carrying this dust, he struck them upon the back with his hand and exclaimed, "Run, ye righteous, to perform the will of your Master." When Mar b. Rabina came to Babylon, he took up some earth in his mantle and cast it out, to fulfil that which was said, "I will sweep it with the besom of destruction" (Is. xiv. 23). Rab Ashe said : I had not heard that of Rab Hamnuna, but from my own mind I said all those benedictions.

Rab Pappa and Rab Huna b. Rab Joshua were journeying along the road and met Rab Hannina b. Rab Ika. They said to him, "Since we have seen thee, we will offer two benedictions on thine account : 'Blessed... Who impartest Thy wisdom to them that fear Thee' and 'Blessed... Who hast kept us in life' etc." He replied, "I also, since I have seen you, deem you to be in my eyes like the sixty myriads of the house of Israel and say three benedictions on your account : the two you have uttered and also 'Blessed... Who art wise in secrets'. " They said to him, "Art thou as wise as all that?" They set their eyes on him and he died.

Rab Pappa and Rab Huna b. Rab Joshua were journeying along the road and met Rab Hannina b. Rab Ika. They said to him, "Since we have seen thee, we will offer two benedictions on thine account : 'Blessed... Who impartest Thy wisdom to them that fear Thee' and 'Blessed... Who hast kept us in life' etc." He replied, "I also, since I have seen you, deem you to be in my eyes like the sixty myriads of the house of Israel and say three benedictions on your account : the two you have uttered and also 'Blessed... Who art wise in secrets'. " They said to him, "Art thou as wise as all that?" They set their eyes on him and he died.

For mountains and hills... he says, "Blessed...Who hast made the Creation." Is it then to be supposed that all the other things hitherto mentioned do not belong to the work of Creation? For lo, it is written, "He maketh lightnings for the rain" (Ps. cxxxv. 7)! Abbai said : Connect them all and learn them together. Raba said : In the former instances he pronounces two benedictions : "Blessed...Whose strength fills the world and Who hast made the Creation" ; but here "...Who hast made the Creation" is applicable, but "Whose strength fills the world" is not applicable.

It is possible to think that all benedictions should have one praise; therefore there is a teaching to state, "Above all blessing and praise" — for each benediction give Him praise.

R. Isaac, with the permission of his father R. Judah, delivered the following discourse: An individual who has taken upon himself a fast must recite the prayer provided for fasts. Where does he insert it? Between the benediction ending with "Redeemer" and that ending with "Healer" (of Israel). R. Isaac objected: Is an individual entitled to insert a benediction for himself? He should rather, said R. Isaac, include it in the benediction ending with the words: "Who hearest prayer." The same opinion was given also by R. Sheshet. An objection was raised to this view from the following Baraita: There is no difference between an individual and a community, except that the former recites eighteen benedictions, while the latter recites nineteen. Now what is meant by "individual" and "community"? Is "individual" to be understood literally and "community" in the sense of representative of the community? If so, the benedictions here spoken of would not be nineteen, but twenty-four! Consequently by "individual" can be meant only one who takes upon himself a fast which is known as a "private fast," while by "community" is meant an individual who takes upon himself a "public fast," and yet the Baraita reads: "except that the former recites eighteen benedictions and the latter nineteen," which proves that an individual may insert a benediction for himself! Answer: No, by "community" is no doubt meant its representative, but (as to your objection that in this case twenty-four benedictions are recited, it must be understood that) the Baraita has reference to the first three public fasts, during which the number of benedictions is not increased to twenty-four. Is this true? Is it not stated in a Baraita: "There is no difference between the three first and the three intermediary public fasts, except that during the former work is allowed, while during the latter it is prohibited," from which you must infer that with regard to the number of benedictions they are alike!? Answer: The author of this Baraita mentioned one difference and omitted the other. Is there anything else that he omitted, so that we may be justified in assuming that he omitted this difference? I will say this, then: The teacher of the Baraita was concerned only in pointing out a difference regarding things prohibited on fast days, but did not care to mention a difference in the number of benedictions recited. If you prefer, I may also say that the number of benedictions is not increased to twenty-four even during the intermediary public fasts. Is this true? Is it not stated in a Baraita: "There is no difference between the three intermediary and the seven (last) public fasts except that during the latter the alarm is sounded and the shops are closed," which proves that with regard to the twenty-four benedictions both groups of fasts are alike? If, however, you should say that here, too, the author of the Baraita mentions one difference and omits the other, what will you do, then, with the explicit words of the Baraita, saying that "there is no difference between them except"? Answer: Do you mean to say that the phrase "there is no difference" is to be taken literally?

R. Isaac, with the permission of his father R. Judah, delivered the following discourse: An individual who has taken upon himself a fast must recite the prayer provided for fasts. Where does he insert it? Between the benediction ending with "Redeemer" and that ending with "Healer" (of Israel). R. Isaac objected: Is an individual entitled to insert a benediction for himself? He should rather, said R. Isaac, include it in the benediction ending with the words: "Who hearest prayer." The same opinion was given also by R. Sheshet. An objection was raised to this view from the following Baraita: There is no difference between an individual and a community, except that the former recites eighteen benedictions, while the latter recites nineteen. Now what is meant by "individual" and "community"? Is "individual" to be understood literally and "community" in the sense of representative of the community? If so, the benedictions here spoken of would not be nineteen, but twenty-four! Consequently by "individual" can be meant only one who takes upon himself a fast which is known as a "private fast," while by "community" is meant an individual who takes upon himself a "public fast," and yet the Baraita reads: "except that the former recites eighteen benedictions and the latter nineteen," which proves that an individual may insert a benediction for himself! Answer: No, by "community" is no doubt meant its representative, but (as to your objection that in this case twenty-four benedictions are recited, it must be understood that) the Baraita has reference to the first three public fasts, during which the number of benedictions is not increased to twenty-four. Is this true? Is it not stated in a Baraita: "There is no difference between the three first and the three intermediary public fasts, except that during the former work is allowed, while during the latter it is prohibited," from which you must infer that with regard to the number of benedictions they are alike!? Answer: The author of this Baraita mentioned one difference and omitted the other. Is there anything else that he omitted, so that we may be justified in assuming that he omitted this difference? I will say this, then: The teacher of the Baraita was concerned only in pointing out a difference regarding things prohibited on fast days, but did not care to mention a difference in the number of benedictions recited. If you prefer, I may also say that the number of benedictions is not increased to twenty-four even during the intermediary public fasts. Is this true? Is it not stated in a Baraita: "There is no difference between the three intermediary and the seven (last) public fasts except that during the latter the alarm is sounded and the shops are closed," which proves that with regard to the twenty-four benedictions both groups of fasts are alike? If, however, you should say that here, too, the author of the Baraita mentions one difference and omits the other, what will you do, then, with the explicit words of the Baraita, saying that "there is no difference between them except"? Answer: Do you mean to say that the phrase "there is no difference" is to be taken literally?

R. Isaac, with the permission of his father R. Judah, delivered the following discourse: An individual who has taken upon himself a fast must recite the prayer provided for fasts. Where does he insert it? Between the benediction ending with "Redeemer" and that ending with "Healer" (of Israel). R. Isaac objected: Is an individual entitled to insert a benediction for himself? He should rather, said R. Isaac, include it in the benediction ending with the words: "Who hearest prayer." The same opinion was given also by R. Sheshet. An objection was raised to this view from the following Baraita: There is no difference between an individual and a community, except that the former recites eighteen benedictions, while the latter recites nineteen. Now what is meant by "individual" and "community"? Is "individual" to be understood literally and "community" in the sense of representative of the community? If so, the benedictions here spoken of would not be nineteen, but twenty-four! Consequently by "individual" can be meant only one who takes upon himself a fast which is known as a "private fast," while by "community" is meant an individual who takes upon himself a "public fast," and yet the Baraita reads: "except that the former recites eighteen benedictions and the latter nineteen," which proves that an individual may insert a benediction for himself! Answer: No, by "community" is no doubt meant its representative, but (as to your objection that in this case twenty-four benedictions are recited, it must be understood that) the Baraita has reference to the first three public fasts, during which the number of benedictions is not increased to twenty-four. Is this true? Is it not stated in a Baraita: "There is no difference between the three first and the three intermediary public fasts, except that during the former work is allowed, while during the latter it is prohibited," from which you must infer that with regard to the number of benedictions they are alike!? Answer: The author of this Baraita mentioned one difference and omitted the other. Is there anything else that he omitted, so that we may be justified in assuming that he omitted this difference? I will say this, then: The teacher of the Baraita was concerned only in pointing out a difference regarding things prohibited on fast days, but did not care to mention a difference in the number of benedictions recited. If you prefer, I may also say that the number of benedictions is not increased to twenty-four even during the intermediary public fasts. Is this true? Is it not stated in a Baraita: "There is no difference between the three intermediary and the seven (last) public fasts except that during the latter the alarm is sounded and the shops are closed," which proves that with regard to the twenty-four benedictions both groups of fasts are alike? If, however, you should say that here, too, the author of the Baraita mentions one difference and omits the other, what will you do, then, with the explicit words of the Baraita, saying that "there is no difference between them except"? Answer: Do you mean to say that the phrase "there is no difference" is to be taken literally?