createst

"[Blessed].... Who formest light and createst darkness."

Surely one ought rather to say : "Who formest light and createst brightness"!

It is quite right [about mentioning] the characteristic of night in the day, since we say “Who formest light and createst darkness" ; but where is [the mention of] the characteristic of day at night?

MISHNAH What benediction do we say over fruit ? Over the fruit of trees, one says, "[Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe] Who Createst the fruit of the tree," except over wine ; for over wine ons says, "...Who createst the fruit of the vine." Over the fruits of the earth one says : "... Who createst the fruit of the ground," except over bread; for over bread one says, "...Who bringest forth bread from the earth." Over vegetables one says, "... Who createst the fruit of the ground" ; but R. Judah declares : "... Who createst divers kinds of herbs."

MISHNAH What benediction do we say over fruit ? Over the fruit of trees, one says, "[Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe] Who Createst the fruit of the tree," except over wine ; for over wine ons says, "...Who createst the fruit of the vine." Over the fruits of the earth one says : "... Who createst the fruit of the ground," except over bread; for over bread one says, "...Who bringest forth bread from the earth." Over vegetables one says, "... Who createst the fruit of the ground" ; but R. Judah declares : "... Who createst divers kinds of herbs."

MISHNAH What benediction do we say over fruit ? Over the fruit of trees, one says, "[Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe] Who Createst the fruit of the tree," except over wine ; for over wine ons says, "...Who createst the fruit of the vine." Over the fruits of the earth one says : "... Who createst the fruit of the ground," except over bread; for over bread one says, "...Who bringest forth bread from the earth." Over vegetables one says, "... Who createst the fruit of the ground" ; but R. Judah declares : "... Who createst divers kinds of herbs."

MISHNAH What benediction do we say over fruit ? Over the fruit of trees, one says, "[Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe] Who Createst the fruit of the tree," except over wine ; for over wine ons says, "...Who createst the fruit of the vine." Over the fruits of the earth one says : "... Who createst the fruit of the ground," except over bread; for over bread one says, "...Who bringest forth bread from the earth." Over vegetables one says, "... Who createst the fruit of the ground" ; but R. Judah declares : "... Who createst divers kinds of herbs."

MISHNAH What benediction do we say over fruit ? Over the fruit of trees, one says, "[Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe] Who Createst the fruit of the tree," except over wine ; for over wine ons says, "...Who createst the fruit of the vine." Over the fruits of the earth one says : "... Who createst the fruit of the ground," except over bread; for over bread one says, "...Who bringest forth bread from the earth." Over vegetables one says, "... Who createst the fruit of the ground" ; but R. Judah declares : "... Who createst divers kinds of herbs."

Except over wine, etc. Why is wine different ? Should one say because it is changed [from the grape] into something higher [in value], therefore there is a change in the benediction, but lo, oil which is changed [from the olive] into something higher [in value] has no alteration in the benediction ; for Rab Judah said in the name of Samuel, and similarly said R. Isaac in the name of R. Johanan : Over olive-oil we pronounce the benediction "...Who createst the fruit of the tree" !

The answer is : In this case [of oil, the benediction is unaltered] because none other is possible. What other benediction could he say? Should he use the formula "...Who createst the fruit of the olive," the olive itself is called "fruit"!

Then let him say "...Who createst the fruit of the olive-tree." But said Mar Zotra : Wine nourishes, oil does not.

we pronounce the benediction "...Who createst various kinds of food" only over the five species. Moreover Rab Huna said : [The quoted Mishnah means,] Whoever declares "Everything that nourishes [I forbid] myself" —

It was stated above : "Rab Judah said in the name of Samuel, and similarly said R. Isaac in the name of R. Johanan : Over olive-oil we pronounce the benediction '...Who createst the fruit of the tree'." How is this meant? Should I say that he drinks it as a beverage, it does him harm; for there is a teaching : He who drinks the oil of an offering repays its value but not a fifth in addition ; but he who anoints himself with the oil of an offering repays its value plus a fifth!

Over wheaten-flour, Rab Judah says : [The benediction is] "...Who createst the fruit of the ground." Rab Nahman said : It is "...By Whose word all things exists."

Raba said to Rab Nahman : Thou shouldest not differ from Rab Judah, because R. Johanan and Samuel agree with him ; for Rab Judah said in the name of Samuel, and similarly said R. Isaac in the name of R. Johanan : We pronounce over olive-oil the benediction "... Who createst the fruit of the tree" — hence infer that although it has undergone change, it still remains essentially the same; and like-wise here [with wheaten-flour] although it has undergone change, it still remains essentially the same.

But if [the wheaten-flour] have another and higher value, should we no longer use the benediction "...Who createst the fruit of the ground," but say instead "...By Whose word all things exist"? And lo, R. Zera said in the name of Rab Mattena in the name of Samuel : Over raw cabbage and barley-flour we use the benediction "...By Whose word all things exist"; is it not then to be supposed that wheaten-flour requires the benediction "...Who createst the fruit of the ground"?

But if [the wheaten-flour] have another and higher value, should we no longer use the benediction "...Who createst the fruit of the ground," but say instead "...By Whose word all things exist"? And lo, R. Zera said in the name of Rab Mattena in the name of Samuel : Over raw cabbage and barley-flour we use the benediction "...By Whose word all things exist"; is it not then to be supposed that wheaten-flour requires the benediction "...Who createst the fruit of the ground"?

Over the palm-heart, Rab Judah said: [The benediction is] "...Who createst the fruit of the ground" ; but Samuel said : It is "...By Whose word all things exist."

Samuel said to Rab Judah : Thou keen-witted one! Thy opinion is correct: because over the radish, though it in the end grows hard, we say "...Who createst the fruit of the ground." But it is not so ! For people plant radishes for the sake of the tuber, but people do not plant palms for the sake of the heart ! Is it, then, [to be assumed] that

in every case where men do not plant specifically to obtain that article of food, we do not pronounce the benediction over it? Lo, the caper-bush men plant for the purpose of the caper-blossom ; and we have a Mishnaic teaching : In the case of the various kinds of capers, over the leaves and young shoots one says "...Who createst the fruit of the ground," but over the berries and buds "...Who createst the fruit of the tree" !

in every case where men do not plant specifically to obtain that article of food, we do not pronounce the benediction over it? Lo, the caper-bush men plant for the purpose of the caper-blossom ; and we have a Mishnaic teaching : In the case of the various kinds of capers, over the leaves and young shoots one says "...Who createst the fruit of the ground," but over the berries and buds "...Who createst the fruit of the tree" !

Rab Judah said in the name of Rab : As for the caper-bush which is still in a state of 'Orlah outside the [Holy] Land, one throws away the berries but eats the buds ; that is to say, the berries are fruit but not the buds. Against this [deduction] I quote : ln the case of the various kinds of capers, over the leaves and their young shoots one says "...Who createst the fruit of the ground," but over the berries and buds "...Who createst the fruit of the tree!"

Rab Judah said in the name of Rab : As for the caper-bush which is still in a state of 'Orlah outside the [Holy] Land, one throws away the berries but eats the buds ; that is to say, the berries are fruit but not the buds. Against this [deduction] I quote : ln the case of the various kinds of capers, over the leaves and their young shoots one says "...Who createst the fruit of the ground," but over the berries and buds "...Who createst the fruit of the tree!"

The Halakah is according to Mar b. Rab Ashe who threw away the berries and ate the buds ; and since these are not regarded as fruit for the purpose of 'Orlah, they are likewise not so regarded for the purpose of the benediction. We accordingly utter over them not "...Who createst the fruit of the tree" but "...Who createst the fruit of the ground."

The Halakah is according to Mar b. Rab Ashe who threw away the berries and ate the buds ; and since these are not regarded as fruit for the purpose of 'Orlah, they are likewise not so regarded for the purpose of the benediction. We accordingly utter over them not "...Who createst the fruit of the tree" but "...Who createst the fruit of the ground."

The Rabbis said to Maremar : He who chews ginger on the Day of Atonement is free [from guilt]. But lo, Raba declared : The preserved ginger which comes from India is permitted, and we pronounce the benediction "...Who createst the fruit of the ground" over it! There is no contradiction; the latter referring to moist [ginger], the other to dried.

Over Habis boiled in a pot and also pounded grain, Rab Judah said : [The benediction is] "...By Whose word all things exist" ; Rab Kahana said : It is "...Who createst various kinds of food." With plain pounded grain all agree that "...Who createst all kinds of foods" is the correct benediction, the disagreement arising in connection with pounded grain made like a boiled Habis. Rab Judah maintained [that the benediction should be] "...By Whose word all things exist," being of the opinion that the honey is the principal ingredient ; whereas Rab Kahana maintained it is "...Who createst various kinds of foods," holding that the flour is the principal ingredient. Rab Joseph said : The view of Rab Kahana seems more probable, because Rab and Samuel both say that a dish which contains one of the five species requires the benediction "...Who createst various kinds of foods."

Over Habis boiled in a pot and also pounded grain, Rab Judah said : [The benediction is] "...By Whose word all things exist" ; Rab Kahana said : It is "...Who createst various kinds of food." With plain pounded grain all agree that "...Who createst all kinds of foods" is the correct benediction, the disagreement arising in connection with pounded grain made like a boiled Habis. Rab Judah maintained [that the benediction should be] "...By Whose word all things exist," being of the opinion that the honey is the principal ingredient ; whereas Rab Kahana maintained it is "...Who createst various kinds of foods," holding that the flour is the principal ingredient. Rab Joseph said : The view of Rab Kahana seems more probable, because Rab and Samuel both say that a dish which contains one of the five species requires the benediction "...Who createst various kinds of foods."

Over Habis boiled in a pot and also pounded grain, Rab Judah said : [The benediction is] "...By Whose word all things exist" ; Rab Kahana said : It is "...Who createst various kinds of food." With plain pounded grain all agree that "...Who createst all kinds of foods" is the correct benediction, the disagreement arising in connection with pounded grain made like a boiled Habis. Rab Judah maintained [that the benediction should be] "...By Whose word all things exist," being of the opinion that the honey is the principal ingredient ; whereas Rab Kahana maintained it is "...Who createst various kinds of foods," holding that the flour is the principal ingredient. Rab Joseph said : The view of Rab Kahana seems more probable, because Rab and Samuel both say that a dish which contains one of the five species requires the benediction "...Who createst various kinds of foods."

Over Habis boiled in a pot and also pounded grain, Rab Judah said : [The benediction is] "...By Whose word all things exist" ; Rab Kahana said : It is "...Who createst various kinds of food." With plain pounded grain all agree that "...Who createst all kinds of foods" is the correct benediction, the disagreement arising in connection with pounded grain made like a boiled Habis. Rab Judah maintained [that the benediction should be] "...By Whose word all things exist," being of the opinion that the honey is the principal ingredient ; whereas Rab Kahana maintained it is "...Who createst various kinds of foods," holding that the flour is the principal ingredient. Rab Joseph said : The view of Rab Kahana seems more probable, because Rab and Samuel both say that a dish which contains one of the five species requires the benediction "...Who createst various kinds of foods."

It has just been mentioned : "Rab and Samuel both say : A dish which contains one of the five species requires the benediction '...Who createst various kinds of foods'." It has likewise been reported : Rab and Samuel both say: A dish which is of the five species requires the benediction "...Who createst various kinds of foods."

It has just been mentioned : "Rab and Samuel both say : A dish which contains one of the five species requires the benediction '...Who createst various kinds of foods'." It has likewise been reported : Rab and Samuel both say: A dish which is of the five species requires the benediction "...Who createst various kinds of foods."

therefore we are informed that a dish which contains it [requires that benediction]. If, on the other hand, we had been taught only the first, I might have said a dish containing any of the five species does [require that benediction], but not rice or millet because these are mixed with other ingredients. Should, however, it have the appearance [of one of the five species], we might say that even with rice or millet we pronounce the benediction "...Who createst various kinds of foods"; therefore we are informed, "A dish which is of the five species requires the benediction '...Who createst various kinds of foods'," to the exclusion of rice and millet ; for even if it retain its appearance we do not say that benediction.

therefore we are informed that a dish which contains it [requires that benediction]. If, on the other hand, we had been taught only the first, I might have said a dish containing any of the five species does [require that benediction], but not rice or millet because these are mixed with other ingredients. Should, however, it have the appearance [of one of the five species], we might say that even with rice or millet we pronounce the benediction "...Who createst various kinds of foods"; therefore we are informed, "A dish which is of the five species requires the benediction '...Who createst various kinds of foods'," to the exclusion of rice and millet ; for even if it retain its appearance we do not say that benediction.

And over rice and millet do we not bless "...Who createst various kinds of foods"? Lo, there is a teaching : If they brought before a man bread of rice or of millet, he pronounces a benediction before and after as with any other cooked dish. And with reference to a cooked dish there is a teaching : Before partaking thereof one should bless "...Who createst various kinds of foods" and after it one benediction which is an abstract of three!

And over rice and millet do we not bless "...Who createst various kinds of foods"? Lo, there is a teaching : If they brought before a man bread of rice or of millet, he pronounces a benediction before and after as with any other cooked dish. And with reference to a cooked dish there is a teaching : Before partaking thereof one should bless "...Who createst various kinds of foods" and after it one benediction which is an abstract of three!

[Bread of rice or of millet] is like a cooked dish [in one respect] but unlike a cooked dish [in another]. It is like a cooked dish in so far as there is a benediction before and after partaking thereof. But it is unlike a cooked dish; for over a cooked dish one says at first "...Who createst various kinds of foods," and in the end one benediction which is an abstract of three. [With rice and millet], however, one first says "...By Whose word all things exist" and in the end "...Who createst many living beings with their wants," etc.

[Bread of rice or of millet] is like a cooked dish [in one respect] but unlike a cooked dish [in another]. It is like a cooked dish in so far as there is a benediction before and after partaking thereof. But it is unlike a cooked dish; for over a cooked dish one says at first "...Who createst various kinds of foods," and in the end one benediction which is an abstract of three. [With rice and millet], however, one first says "...By Whose word all things exist" and in the end "...Who createst many living beings with their wants," etc.

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.

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.

He who chews rice says the benediction "...Who createst the fruit of the ground"; if he ground it, baked and then boiled it, although the pieces are still whole, he first says "...Who createst various kinds of foods" and afterwards one benediction which is an abstract of three.

He who chews rice says the benediction "...Who createst the fruit of the ground"; if he ground it, baked and then boiled it, although the pieces are still whole, he first says "...Who createst various kinds of foods" and afterwards one benediction which is an abstract of three.

The teacher stated : "He who chews wheat should say the benediction '...Who createst the fruit of the ground'." But there is a teaching: [He should say] "...Who createst divers kinds of seeds"! There is no contradiction; the latter being the opinion of R. Judah, the other of the Rabbis. For our Mishnah teaches : Over vegetables one says : "...Who createst the fruit of the ground" ; but R. Judah declares: "...Who createst divers kinds of herbs."

The teacher stated : "He who chews wheat should say the benediction '...Who createst the fruit of the ground'." But there is a teaching: [He should say] "...Who createst divers kinds of seeds"! There is no contradiction; the latter being the opinion of R. Judah, the other of the Rabbis. For our Mishnah teaches : Over vegetables one says : "...Who createst the fruit of the ground" ; but R. Judah declares: "...Who createst divers kinds of herbs."

The teacher stated : "He who chews wheat should say the benediction '...Who createst the fruit of the ground'." But there is a teaching: [He should say] "...Who createst divers kinds of seeds"! There is no contradiction; the latter being the opinion of R. Judah, the other of the Rabbis. For our Mishnah teaches : Over vegetables one says : "...Who createst the fruit of the ground" ; but R. Judah declares: "...Who createst divers kinds of herbs."

The teacher stated : "He who chews wheat should say the benediction '...Who createst the fruit of the ground'." But there is a teaching: [He should say] "...Who createst divers kinds of seeds"! There is no contradiction; the latter being the opinion of R. Judah, the other of the Rabbis. For our Mishnah teaches : Over vegetables one says : "...Who createst the fruit of the ground" ; but R. Judah declares: "...Who createst divers kinds of herbs."

The teacher stated : "He who chews rice says the benediction '...Who createst the fruit of the ground'; if he ground it, baked and then boiled it, although the pieces are still whole, he first says '...Who createst various kinds of foods' and afterwards one benediction which is an abstract of three."

The teacher stated : "He who chews rice says the benediction '...Who createst the fruit of the ground'; if he ground it, baked and then boiled it, although the pieces are still whole, he first says '...Who createst various kinds of foods' and afterwards one benediction which is an abstract of three."

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!

Raba said : Over the Rihata of the field labourers which contains a large admixture of flour, the benediction is "...Who createst various kinds of food." Why? Because the flour is the principal ingredient. [Over the Rihata] of townspeople which does not contain so much flour, the benediction is "...By Whose word all things exist." Why? Because honey is the principal ingredient. Raba afterwards said : Over both kinds the benediction is "...Who createst various kinds of foods"; because Rab and Samuel both declare : Over any food which contains one of the five species, the benediction is "...Who createst various kinds of foods."

Raba said : Over the Rihata of the field labourers which contains a large admixture of flour, the benediction is "...Who createst various kinds of food." Why? Because the flour is the principal ingredient. [Over the Rihata] of townspeople which does not contain so much flour, the benediction is "...By Whose word all things exist." Why? Because honey is the principal ingredient. Raba afterwards said : Over both kinds the benediction is "...Who createst various kinds of foods"; because Rab and Samuel both declare : Over any food which contains one of the five species, the benediction is "...Who createst various kinds of foods."

Raba said : Over the Rihata of the field labourers which contains a large admixture of flour, the benediction is "...Who createst various kinds of food." Why? Because the flour is the principal ingredient. [Over the Rihata] of townspeople which does not contain so much flour, the benediction is "...By Whose word all things exist." Why? Because honey is the principal ingredient. Raba afterwards said : Over both kinds the benediction is "...Who createst various kinds of foods"; because Rab and Samuel both declare : Over any food which contains one of the five species, the benediction is "...Who createst various kinds of foods."

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.

If he made them into cakes, they are subject [to Hallah]; but if he made them into "shingles," they are exempt. Abbai asked Rab Joseph : Which benediction is to be said over dough baked in a cavity made in the ground ? He said to him : Dost thou consider it to be bread ? It is only a thick mass, and the benediction is "...Who createst various kinds of foods."

In the meantime Raba recalled it and he said to him : Thou must surely mean a brew of ground dates ; and thou remindest me of something that R. Assi said, viz. : It is permissible to make Trimma from dates brought as an offering, but one must not make strong drink of them. And the Halakah is : Over dates made into Trimma we say the benediction "...Who createst the fruit of the tree." On what ground ? Because [the dates are considered] as remaining in their original condition [as fruit].

Over Shattit Rab said : [The benediction is] "...By Whose word all things exist"; Samuel said: It is "...Who createst various kinds of foods."

Over vegetables one says : He teaches that vegetables resemble bread [in this respect] : as bread is changed by the fire [in appearance, but the benediction remains unaltered], so also are vegetables changed by the fire [but the benediction is the same]. Rabbanai said in the name of Abbai : This means that the benediction over boiled vegetables is "...Who createst the fruit of the ground." (From whence is this derived ? Since he taught that vegetables resemble bread.)

Rab Hisda expounded in the name of our teacher — and who is he? Rab: Over boiled vegetables we pronounce the benediction "...Who createst the fruit of the ground" ; but our teachers who came down from the land of Israel [to Babylon] — and who are they ? 'Ulla in the name of R. Johanan — said : Over boiled vegetables we pronounce the benediction "...By Whose word all things exist." I say that any article of food which in its original state requires "...Who createst the fruit of the ground," if cooked requires "...By Whose word all things exist" ; and whatever in its original state requires "...By Whose word all things exist," if cooked requires "...Who createst the fruit of the ground."

Rab Hisda expounded in the name of our teacher — and who is he? Rab: Over boiled vegetables we pronounce the benediction "...Who createst the fruit of the ground" ; but our teachers who came down from the land of Israel [to Babylon] — and who are they ? 'Ulla in the name of R. Johanan — said : Over boiled vegetables we pronounce the benediction "...By Whose word all things exist." I say that any article of food which in its original state requires "...Who createst the fruit of the ground," if cooked requires "...By Whose word all things exist" ; and whatever in its original state requires "...By Whose word all things exist," if cooked requires "...Who createst the fruit of the ground."

Rab Hisda expounded in the name of our teacher — and who is he? Rab: Over boiled vegetables we pronounce the benediction "...Who createst the fruit of the ground" ; but our teachers who came down from the land of Israel [to Babylon] — and who are they ? 'Ulla in the name of R. Johanan — said : Over boiled vegetables we pronounce the benediction "...By Whose word all things exist." I say that any article of food which in its original state requires "...Who createst the fruit of the ground," if cooked requires "...By Whose word all things exist" ; and whatever in its original state requires "...By Whose word all things exist," if cooked requires "...Who createst the fruit of the ground."

It is quite right that food which in its original state requires "...By Whose word all things exist," if cooked requires "...Who createst the fruit of the ground" ; for it is found thus in the instances of cabbage, beet and the pumpkin. But something which in its original state requires "...Who createst the fruit of the ground," if cooked requires "...By Whose word all things exist" — where is such to be found ? Rab Nahman b. Isaac said : There are the instances of garlic and leek.

It is quite right that food which in its original state requires "...By Whose word all things exist," if cooked requires "...Who createst the fruit of the ground" ; for it is found thus in the instances of cabbage, beet and the pumpkin. But something which in its original state requires "...Who createst the fruit of the ground," if cooked requires "...By Whose word all things exist" — where is such to be found ? Rab Nahman b. Isaac said : There are the instances of garlic and leek.

Rab Nahman expounded in the name of our teacher — and who is he? Samuel : Over boiled vegetables we pronounce the benediction "...Who createst the fruit of the ground"; but our colleagues who came down from the land of Israel — and who are they ? 'Ulla in the name of R. Johanan — said : Over boiled vegetables the benediction is "... By Whose word all things exist."

It is not so ; for it is agreed by all that over boiled vegetables the benediction is "...Who createst the fruit of the ground" ; and only in this case does R. Jose say so because we require the taste of the unleavened bread, and it is not there [if the wafer is cooked]. Hence, however, even R. Jose admits it.

R. Hiyya b. Abba said in the name of R. Johanan : Over boiled vegetables we pronounce the benediction "...Who createst the fruit of the ground." But R. Benjamin b. Jephet said in the name of R. Johanan: Over boiled vegetables the benediction is "...By Whose word all things exist." Rab Nahman b. Isaac said : 'Ulla confirmed this error according to R. Benjamin b. Jephet.

R. Zera asked in astonishment : What has the statement of R. Benjamin b. Jephet to do by the side of that of R. Hiyya b. Abba ! R. Hiyya b. Abba paid careful attention and learnt the teaching from R. Johanan his master, but R. Benjamin b. Jephet was not so attentive. Also, R. Hiyya b.Abba used to revise his study in the presence of R. Johanan his master every thirty days, but R. Benjamin b. Jephet did not do so. Besides, apart from these two reasons, there is the incident when lupines were cooked seven times in a pot and eaten as a dessert ; they came and questioned R. Johanan, and he replied, "...Who createst the fruit of the ground."

And R. Hiyya b. Abba likewise said : I saw R. Johanan eat a salted olive, and he pronounced a benediction before and after. This is quite right if thou maintainest that food when cooked is to be regarded as remaining the same ; then, before partaking [of the salted olive] the benediction is "...Who createst the fruit of the tree," and afterwards he says one benediction which is an abstract of three. Shouldest thou, however, maintain that cooked food is not to be regarded as remaining the same, it is right that before partaking thereof one should say "...By Whose word all things exist" ; but what benediction is to be said afterwards ?

Perhaps "...Who createst many living beings with their wants" etc.

Is it not that they differed in the following point : He who said the benediction thought that for cooked vegetables and poultry it is "...By Whose word all things exist," and therefore what is best liked is to be preferred [for the benediction] ; but he who laughed thought that for cooked vegetables it is "...Who createst the fruit of the ground" and for poultry "...By Whose word all things exist," and therefore the fruit should be given precedence ?

because it is nourishing. R. Zera said : When we were at the school of Rab Huna he said to us : For the tops of turnips, if he cut them into large pieces, the benediction is "...Who createst the fruit of the ground"; if into small pieces, it is "...By Whose word all things exist." But when we came to the school of Rab Judah he said : In either case it is "...Who createst the fruit of the ground," because one cuts them up a great deal to sweeten the taste.

because it is nourishing. R. Zera said : When we were at the school of Rab Huna he said to us : For the tops of turnips, if he cut them into large pieces, the benediction is "...Who createst the fruit of the ground"; if into small pieces, it is "...By Whose word all things exist." But when we came to the school of Rab Judah he said : In either case it is "...Who createst the fruit of the ground," because one cuts them up a great deal to sweeten the taste.

Rab Ashe said : When we were at the school of Rab Kahana he said to us : For a broth of beet, into which one does not put much flour, the benediction is "...Who createst the fruit of the ground " ; for a broth of turnip, into which much flour is put, it is "...Who createst various kinds of foods." Afterwards he said : In either case it is "...Who createst the fruit of the ground," and that they put much flour into it is only done to make it adhere.

Rab Ashe said : When we were at the school of Rab Kahana he said to us : For a broth of beet, into which one does not put much flour, the benediction is "...Who createst the fruit of the ground " ; for a broth of turnip, into which much flour is put, it is "...Who createst various kinds of foods." Afterwards he said : In either case it is "...Who createst the fruit of the ground," and that they put much flour into it is only done to make it adhere.

Rab Ashe said : When we were at the school of Rab Kahana he said to us : For a broth of beet, into which one does not put much flour, the benediction is "...Who createst the fruit of the ground " ; for a broth of turnip, into which much flour is put, it is "...Who createst various kinds of foods." Afterwards he said : In either case it is "...Who createst the fruit of the ground," and that they put much flour into it is only done to make it adhere.

But R. Judah declares : "...Who createst divers kinds of herbs." R. Zera (another version : R. Hinnana b. Pappa) said : The Halakah is not in accord with R. Judah. R. Zera (another version: R. Hinnana b. Pappa) also said: What is R. Judah's reason? The Scriptures state, "Blessed be the Lord day by day" (Ps. Ixviii. 20) — are we to bless Him by day and not by night ! Nay, it means to tell thee : Day by day give Him the appropriate blessing ; so here also, for every species of food give Him an appropriate benediction.

MISHNAH If one said the benediction "... Who createst the fruit of the ground" over fruits of the tree, he has complied with the requirements of the law. If, over fruits of the earth, he said "...Who createst the fruit of the tree," he has not so complied. If over all of them he said "...By Whose word all things exist," he has complied with the requirements of the law.

MISHNAH If one said the benediction "... Who createst the fruit of the ground" over fruits of the tree, he has complied with the requirements of the law. If, over fruits of the earth, he said "...Who createst the fruit of the tree," he has not so complied. If over all of them he said "...By Whose word all things exist," he has complied with the requirements of the law.

It may enter thy mind to say that since R. Judah maintains that wheat is a kind of tree, the benediction over it should be "...Who createst the fruit of the tree"! Therefore we are informed that we say the benediction "...Who createst the fruit of the tree" only where, if thou takest away the fruit, a stem remains which again produces ;

It may enter thy mind to say that since R. Judah maintains that wheat is a kind of tree, the benediction over it should be "...Who createst the fruit of the tree"! Therefore we are informed that we say the benediction "...Who createst the fruit of the tree" only where, if thou takest away the fruit, a stem remains which again produces ;

but where, if thou takest away the fruit, there is no stem to produce again fruit, we do not say the benediction "...Who createst the fruit of the tree" but "...Who createst the fruit of the ground."

but where, if thou takest away the fruit, there is no stem to produce again fruit, we do not say the benediction "...Who createst the fruit of the tree" but "...Who createst the fruit of the ground."

Another version : It is quite right according to him who says nobelot means "Fruit scorched by the sun" that over it we pronounce the benediction "...By Whose word"; but according to him who says [it means] "Dates blown from the tree by the wind" the benediction "...By Whose word" should rather be "...Who createst the fruit of the tree" !

R. Hiyya b. Abba b. Nahmani stated that Rab Hisda said in the name of Rab (another version : Rab Hisda said in the name of Ze'iri) : Overall kinds of perfumes the benediction is "...Who Greatest fragrant woods," excepting musk which comes from a species of animal and its benediction is "...Who createst various kinds of spices."

Against this teaching is quoted : We only say "...Who createst fragrant woods" over the balsam-trees of the house of Rabbi and the balsam-trees of the Emperor's palace and over the myrtle-tree wherever it comes from !

Rab Hisda asked Rab Isaac, "What is the benediction over balsam-oil?" He replied, "Thus said Rab Judah : It is '...Who createst the oil of our land '." Rab Hisda said to him, "Leave out Rab Judah, because the land of Israel is very dear to him ; what is the benediction generally?"

He replied, "Thus said R. Johanan : It is '...Who createst fragrant oil'."

Rab Adda b. Ahabah said: Over costum the benediction is "...Who createst fragrant woods," but not over the oil in which it is steeped. Rab Kahana said : [That is the benediction] even for the oil in which it is steeped, but not the oil with which it is ground. The men of Nehardea said : [That is the benediction] even for the oil in which it is ground.

Rab Giddel said in the name of Rab : Over jasmine the benediction is "...Who createst fragrant woods." Rab Hananel said in the name of Rab: Over sea-rush the benediction is "...Who createst fragrant woods." Mar Zotra said : What is the Scriptural authority? "She had brought them up to the roof, and hid them with the stalks of flax" (Josh. ii. 6).

Rab Giddel said in the name of Rab : Over jasmine the benediction is "...Who createst fragrant woods." Rab Hananel said in the name of Rab: Over sea-rush the benediction is "...Who createst fragrant woods." Mar Zotra said : What is the Scriptural authority? "She had brought them up to the roof, and hid them with the stalks of flax" (Josh. ii. 6).

Rab Mesharsheya said : Over the garden-narcissus the benediction is "...Who createst fragrant woods," but over the wild narcissus "...Who createst fragrant herbs." Rab Sheshet said : Over violets the benediction is "...Who createst fragrant herbs." Mar Zotra said : He who smells the citron or quince should say "Blessed be He Who setteth a beautiful fragrance in fruits."

Rab Mesharsheya said : Over the garden-narcissus the benediction is "...Who createst fragrant woods," but over the wild narcissus "...Who createst fragrant herbs." Rab Sheshet said : Over violets the benediction is "...Who createst fragrant herbs." Mar Zotra said : He who smells the citron or quince should say "Blessed be He Who setteth a beautiful fragrance in fruits."

Rab Mesharsheya said : Over the garden-narcissus the benediction is "...Who createst fragrant woods," but over the wild narcissus "...Who createst fragrant herbs." Rab Sheshet said : Over violets the benediction is "...Who createst fragrant herbs." Mar Zotra said : He who smells the citron or quince should say "Blessed be He Who setteth a beautiful fragrance in fruits."

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."

R. Jacob b. Iddi said in the name of R. Hannina : Over any food which belongs to the five species, before partaking thereof one says the benediction "...Who createst various kinds of foods," and afterwards one benediction which is an abstract of three.

Rabbah b. Mari said in the name of R. Joshua b. Levi : Over any food belonging to the seven species, before partaking thereof one says the benediction "...Who createst the fruit of the tree," and afterwards one benediction which is an abstract of three.

Rab Isaac b. Abdemi said in the name of our teacher : Over an egg and various kinds of meat, before partaking thereof one says the benediction "...By Whose word all things exist" and afterwards "...Who createst many living beings" etc. ; but not over vegetables. R. Isaac declared : Even over vegetables, but not over water. Rab Pappa said : Even over water.

R. Tarphon says : "...Who createst many living beings and their wants." Raba b. Rab Hanan said to Abbai (another version : to Rab Joseph) : How is the Halakah? He replied : Go and see how the people act.

We may not say the benediction over wine. Our Rabbis have taught : [wine] Until water has been added, we do not say the benediction "...Who createst the fruit of the vine" over the wine, but "...Who createst the fruit of the tree" ; and we may wash the hands therewith. From the time that water has been added, the benediction is "...Who createst the fruit of the vine," and we may not wash the hands therewith. These are the words of R. Eliezer ; but the Sages say : In either case the benediction is "...Who createst the fruit of the vine," and we may not wash the hands therewith.

We may not say the benediction over wine. Our Rabbis have taught : [wine] Until water has been added, we do not say the benediction "...Who createst the fruit of the vine" over the wine, but "...Who createst the fruit of the tree" ; and we may wash the hands therewith. From the time that water has been added, the benediction is "...Who createst the fruit of the vine," and we may not wash the hands therewith. These are the words of R. Eliezer ; but the Sages say : In either case the benediction is "...Who createst the fruit of the vine," and we may not wash the hands therewith.

We may not say the benediction over wine. Our Rabbis have taught : [wine] Until water has been added, we do not say the benediction "...Who createst the fruit of the vine" over the wine, but "...Who createst the fruit of the tree" ; and we may wash the hands therewith. From the time that water has been added, the benediction is "...Who createst the fruit of the vine," and we may not wash the hands therewith. These are the words of R. Eliezer ; but the Sages say : In either case the benediction is "...Who createst the fruit of the vine," and we may not wash the hands therewith.