nahman

Rebbi Nahman in the name of Rebbi Mana: Miracles happened that day. It was Sabbath eve and all the surrounding towns came together to eulogize him. They made him [Rebbi] rest in eighteen synagogues until they brought him to his resting place but the day extended for them until each one had time to get to his house, fill an amphora of water, and light the candles. When the sun set, the rooster crowed. They were anxious and said, maybe we did desecrate the Sabbath? There came a voice and said to them, every one who was not lazy for the eulogies of Rebbi shall be announced for the life of the Future World, except the fuller. When the latter heard this, he ascended the roof, threw himself down, and died. There came a voice and said, including the fuller.

It was stated: Rebbi Simeon ben Eleazar says, on a Day of Atonement which falls on a Sabbath, even in a place where one is not used to ignite one ignites. Rebbi Simon in the name of Rebbi Joshua ben Levi, Rebbi Yose ben Saul in the name of Rebbi: Practice follows Rebbi Simeon ben Eleazar. Rebbi Ḥiyya bar Abba preached to the Tiberians following Rebbi Simeon ben Eleazar. Rebbi Yose said it in the name of Rebbi Samuel bar Nahman in the name of Rebbi Jonathan, Rebbi Ḥizqiah, but some say Rebbi Jacob bar Aḥa, in the name of Rebbi Samuel bar Nahman: A place where one is used to ignite is better than a place where one is used not to ignite. Rebbi Jeremiah said, you should know that this is so since on a Day of Atonement which falls on a Sabbath, even in a place where one is not used to ignite one ignites. Rebbi Abba and Rebbi Simon both are saying, you should know that this is so since a man is modest and will not engage in sexual activity when a light is burning. Both he who said, one lights, as he who said, one does not light, because of leading into sin. He who said that one lights, because he will see and be ashamed. But he who said that one does not light, that he should not see and become desirous. It was stated: Even in (synagogues) [privies] and wash rooms. For that it is necessary: One ignites even in a place where one is not used to ignite.

It was stated: Rebbi Simeon ben Eleazar says, on a Day of Atonement which falls on a Sabbath, even in a place where one is not used to ignite one ignites. Rebbi Simon in the name of Rebbi Joshua ben Levi, Rebbi Yose ben Saul in the name of Rebbi: Practice follows Rebbi Simeon ben Eleazar. Rebbi Ḥiyya bar Abba preached to the Tiberians following Rebbi Simeon ben Eleazar. Rebbi Yose said it in the name of Rebbi Samuel bar Nahman in the name of Rebbi Jonathan, Rebbi Ḥizqiah, but some say Rebbi Jacob bar Aḥa, in the name of Rebbi Samuel bar Nahman: A place where one is used to ignite is better than a place where one is used not to ignite. Rebbi Jeremiah said, you should know that this is so since on a Day of Atonement which falls on a Sabbath, even in a place where one is not used to ignite one ignites. Rebbi Abba and Rebbi Simon both are saying, you should know that this is so since a man is modest and will not engage in sexual activity when a light is burning. Both he who said, one lights, as he who said, one does not light, because of leading into sin. He who said that one lights, because he will see and be ashamed. But he who said that one does not light, that he should not see and become desirous. It was stated: Even in (synagogues) [privies] and wash rooms. For that it is necessary: One ignites even in a place where one is not used to ignite.

Rebbi Yose ben Ḥanina said, the tenth of an ephah and breeches obstruct. What is the reason? Both are “making”. Rebbi Ḥanina said, and do with Aaron and his sons so, all which is written in the Chapter obstructs. This comes following what Rebbi Samuel bar Nahman said in the name of Rebbi Jonathan: this is the word, and this is the word, even reading the Chapter obstructs. Rebbi Joḥanan said, anything obstructing for future generations obstructs here, [and anything not obstructing for future generations does not obstruct here.] What do you have? The leaning of hands and the remainders of the blood which are not obstructing in future generations are obstructing here. Rebbi Ḥanina said, the diadem and Aaron’s mitre precede the sons’ belts. Jehudah the great says, you shall gird them with belts, Aaron and his sons. Rebbi Idi said, what you are saying is as a meritorious deed. But as a commandment, Moses brought near Aaron and his sons and washed them in water, and after that, he put the vest on him, and after that, Moses brought Aaron and his sons near and clothed them with shirts.

But is not second quality of Pelusian better than first Indian? A formulation which is an exaggeration. There, we have stated: “Nothing is better than the best of first quality. [Second tier of the first and first tier of the second are equal.]” But is not the second tier of first quality better than the first of second quality? A formulation which is an exaggeration. What about it? Rebbi Nahman in the name of Rebbi Mana: In the morning, linen is written four times. In the afternoon, linen is written.

It is written: And these are their numbers: gold basins, Rebbi Samuel bar Nahman said, places where the blood of the lamb was collected. Silver basins 1’000, Rebbi Simeon ben Laqish said, places where the blood of the bull was collected. Knives 29, Rebbi Simon said, these are the knives, as we have stated there, “it was called the place of knives since there they hid the knives.”

HALAKHAH: Rebbi Samuel bar Nahman in the name of Rebbi Jonathan: There are three strips. The one for the he-goat for a tetradrachma, for the sufferer from skin disease for a sheqel, for the Cow for two tetradrachmas. Rebbi Abba bar Zavda in the name of Rebbi Simeon ben Halaphta, for the Cow for two tetradrachmas and a half; some express it in the formulation ten zin.

“Wearing shoes”. It was stated: In all cases where they said that one may not wear shoes, when he departs on a trip he puts them on, when he arrives at a walled city he takes them off; this includes the mourner and the person in the ban. There are Tannaim who state, one goes in slippers on the day of Atonement; and there are Tannaim who state, one does not. Rav Ḥisda said, he who said one goes, in textile slippers, and he who said one does not go, in leather slippers. Rebbi Isaac bar Nahman visited Rebbi Joshua ben Levi in the night of the Great Fast; he came to him wearing laced shoes. He asked him, what is this? He answered, I am asthenic. Rebbi Samuel bar Nahman visited Rebbi Joshua ben Levi in the night of a fast day; he came to him wearing laced shoes. He asked him, what is this? He answered, I am asthenic. They saw Rebbi Simai walking in the night of a fast day in laced shoes. A student of Rebbi Mana permitted to a relative of the Patriarch to wear laced shoes. He asked him, from where this? He answered, from this of Rebbi Joshua ben Levi. He said to him, in the case of Rebbi Joshua ben Levi it was an asthenic.

“Wearing shoes”. It was stated: In all cases where they said that one may not wear shoes, when he departs on a trip he puts them on, when he arrives at a walled city he takes them off; this includes the mourner and the person in the ban. There are Tannaim who state, one goes in slippers on the day of Atonement; and there are Tannaim who state, one does not. Rav Ḥisda said, he who said one goes, in textile slippers, and he who said one does not go, in leather slippers. Rebbi Isaac bar Nahman visited Rebbi Joshua ben Levi in the night of the Great Fast; he came to him wearing laced shoes. He asked him, what is this? He answered, I am asthenic. Rebbi Samuel bar Nahman visited Rebbi Joshua ben Levi in the night of a fast day; he came to him wearing laced shoes. He asked him, what is this? He answered, I am asthenic. They saw Rebbi Simai walking in the night of a fast day in laced shoes. A student of Rebbi Mana permitted to a relative of the Patriarch to wear laced shoes. He asked him, from where this? He answered, from this of Rebbi Joshua ben Levi. He said to him, in the case of Rebbi Joshua ben Levi it was an asthenic.

Rebbi Isaac bar Nahman in the name or Rebbi Eleazar: The head of a bird by most of it. Rebbi Ze‘ira in the name of Samuel: The throat of a bird by most of it. There came a case before Rebbi Yose about [a bird whose throat] was punctured by a needle’s width. Do we not know what “most” means?

In the West they interpret the verse thus: "She is fallen, but she shall no more fall; rise, O virgin of Israel." Rab Nahman b. Isaac said : Even so, David refers to it and finds support for Israel in the Holy Spirit; as it is said, "The Lord upholdeth all that fall" (Ps. cxlv. 14).

Rab Nahman added :

Rab Nahman b. Issac said : Also, his wife will not miscarry; for it is here written, "Thou fillest with Thy treasure," and elsewhere it is written, "And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb" (Gen. xxv. 24).

Rab Nahman b. Isaac asked Rab Hiyya b. Abin : What is written in the Tefillin of the Lord of the Universe ? He answered, "And who is like Thy people Israel, a nation one in the earth?" (I Chron. xvii 21).

One of the Rabbis said to Rab Bebai b. Abbai (another version : Rab Bebai said to Rab Nahman b. Isaac) : What means, "When vileness is exalted [kerum] among the sons of men" (ibid.)?

R. Johanan said : Also with the evening prayer [must a man be careful] ; as it is said, "Let my prayer be set forth as incense before Thee, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice" (Ps. cxli. 2). Rab Nahman b. Isaac said : Also with the morning prayer [must a man be careful] ; as it is said, "O Lord, in the morning shalt Thou hear my voice ; in the morning will I order my prayer unto Thee, and will look forward" (ibid. v. 4).

R. Abbahu said : [If he felicitates the bridegroom] it is as though he had brought a thanksgiving offering ; as it is said, "Even of them that bring offerings of thanksgiving into the house of the Lord" (Jer. l.c.). Rab Nahman b. Isaac said : It is as though he had rebuilt one of the ruins of Jerusalem ; as it is said, "For I will cause the captivity of the land to return as at the first, saith the Lord" (ibid.).

Rab Isaac asked Rab Nahman, "Why does not the master come to the Synagogue to pray ?" He answered, "I am not able [through indisposition]." He said to him, "Then the master should gather ten together and pray [with a quorum]." He replied, "It is too great a trouble for me." "Then the master should tell the messenger of the congregation at the time when the congregation prays to come and inform him."

Rab Nahman b. Isaac said : "In the time of finding [meso']" refers to death ; as it is said, "The issues [tosa'ot] of death" (Ps. Ixviii. 21).

Rab Nahman b. Isaac said : If one acted according to the view of Bet Shammai, he is worthy of death ; for we have learnt in our Mishnah: R. Tarphon said: I was once journeying by the way and I reclined to read [the Shema'] according to the view of Bet Shammai, and I placed myself in danger on account of robbers. They said to him : Thou didst justly incur a penalty for thyself, in that thou didst transgress the view of Bet Hillel.

R. Ila b. Rab Samuel b. Marta said in the name of Rab: [If one recited only the verse] "Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one" and was then overcome by sleep, he has fulfilled his obligation. Rab Nahman said to Daro his servant : With the first verse worry me [to keep awake], but do not so after that. Rab Joseph asked Rab Joseph b. Raba, "How used thy father to do ?" He replied, "With the first verse he took pains [to keep awake], but he did not so after that."

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

Rab Nahman b. Isaac said : R. Judah treats the Grace before and after meals like the Halakot of Derek Eres;

Rab Nahman b. Isaac said : The world acts in conformity with the following three Elders: according to R. El'ai in the matter of the first-shorn wool; according to R. Josiah in the matter of diverse seeds ; according to R. Judah b. Batyra in the matter of words of Torah. According to R. El'ai in the matter of the firstshorn wool — for there is a teaching :

Rab Nahman ordered a pitcher of the capacity of nine Kabs. When Rab Dimai came [from Palestine], he said : R. 'Akiba and R. Judah the locksmith declared : The teaching [that nine Kabs may be poured over a Ba'al Keri to cleanse him] is meant to apply only to a delicate person who experienced the emission involuntarily ; but for a delicate person who caused it to happen, forty Saot are necessary.

R. Meyasha, the grandson of R. Joshua b. Levi, said : The Halakah is — One should roll them up like a book and hold them in his right hand opposite his heart. Rab Joseph b. Minyomi said in the name of Rab Nahman : This is so, provided that the strap does not protrude from beneath his hand a handbreadth.

I will retain them." Raba said: At the time that we were following Rab Nahman, if he carried a book of Aggadta, he handed it to us before entering a privy; if he carried Tefillin, he did not hand them to us. He said, "Since the Rabbis permit it, I will retain them."

How long [should he leave them there] ? Rab Nahman b. Isaac said : Until the time of saying Grace.

Rab Nahman b. Isaac explained this [as applying only to a case where] for instance, her nakedness is sunk in the ground.

Rab Huna also said : If a man forgot and entered a privy wearing his Tefillin, he should place his hand over them until he finishes. Until he finishes, dost imagine? Nay, it is as Rab Nahman b. Isaac has said : Until he finishes the first discharge. Let him, then, stop at once and stand up! [No,] because of [the saying of] Rabban Simeon b. Gamaliel ; for there is a teaching : Rabban Simeon b. Gamaliel says : If the fecal discharge is kept back it causes dropsy, and if the fluid in the urinary duct is kept back it causes jaundice.

Rab Nahman said : The difference of opinion applies only to [where the vessel contained urine and into which water has been poured] afterwards ; but if originally [the vessel contained water, and urine was then poured into it, then all agree] that any small quantity of water will suffice.

Rab Nahman said : We have also learnt so. R. Judah b. Baba testified to five matters, viz. :

R. Hiyya b. Ashe said: Rab said the Sabbath-Tefillah on the Sabbath-eve ; R. Josiah said the Tefillah for the conclusion of the Sabbath on the Sabbath. "Rab said the Sabbath-Tefillah on the Sabbath-eve" — did he recite the "Sanctification" over the cup of wine, or did he omit it? Come and hear : For Rab Nahman said in the name of Samuel : A man may say the Sabbath-Tefillah on the Sabbath-eve and recite the "Sanctification" over the cup of wine; and the Halakah is in accord with his view.

R. Eleazar said : Whoever says the morning Tefillah after the fourth hour, of him the Scriptures declare, "Those who are troubled [nuge] because of the appointed seasons will I gather, who are of thee." How is it known that nuge is a term for "trouble" ? For it is written, "My soul melteth away from heaviness [tugah]" (Ps. cxix. 28). Rab Nahman b. Isaac said : From the following : "Her virgins are afflicted [nugot], and she herself is in bitterness" (Lam. i. 4).

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

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

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

How is it derived from this verse ? Perhaps I may indeed tell thee that "in the beauty of holiness" is to be understood literally, as with Rab Judah who used to adorn himself and then pray ! But said Rab Nahman b. Isaac : [Derive it] from the following : "Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling" (ibid. ii. 11).

How can he make amends? Rab Nahman b. Isaac said : Let him observe a fast [in expiation] of his fast.

Rab Aha b. Rab Huna said in the name of Rab Sheshet : That is what people say : "He whose stomach is full increaseth deeds of evil" ; as it is said, "When they were fed, they became full, they were filled, and their heart was exalted ; therefore have they forgotten Me" (Hosea xiii. 6). Rab Nahman said : [It may be learnt] from this passage : "Then thy heart be lifted up, and thou forget the Lord thy God" (Deut. viii. 14) ; and the Rabbis said from the following: "And they shall have eaten their fill, and waxen fat, and turned unto other gods " (ibid. xxxi. 20) ;

Rab Nahman b. Isaac replied : We draw an a fortiori conclusion from the Tefillah : If of the Tefillah where [the Habdalah] was originally instituted they say : He who pronounced the "Division" in the Tefillah must do so again over the cup of wine, how much more so must one who says the Habdalah over the cup of wine, where it was not originally instituted, [say it in the Tefillah] !

Raba bent the knee at the beginning and end of the "Thanksgiving," The Rabbis asked him, "Why has the master acted so?" He replied, "I saw Rab Nahman bend the knee, and I saw Rab Sheshet do it.

Rab Nahman b. Isaac asked Raba : How is it if a man did fix his meal on its account? He replied : When Elijah comes, let him say whether such can be fixed for a meal ; at present, at least, such a thought does not exist amongst men.

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.

Rab Nahman b. Isaac said : Men do plant caper-bushes for the sake of the shoots, but not the palm for the sake of the heart ; and although Samuel praised Rab Judah, the Halakah is in agreement with Samuel.

But it is not so ! For Rab Nahman has said in the name of Rabbah b. Abbuha : The calyces surrounding dates are forbidden because of 'Orlah, since they are the protection of the fruit ; and when are they the protection of the fruit? In the early stages [of the fruit's growth], then are they called the protection of the fruit !

Rab Nahman holds the same view as R. Jose ; for there is a Mishnaic teaching : R. Jose said : The grape-bud is forbidden because it is fruit ; but the Rabbis differ from him.

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."

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.

Rab Nahman b. Isaac said : He who fears Heaven complies with the regulation of the law according to the teaching of both ; and who is it [that acts thus]? Mar b. Rabina, for he used to place the piece of bread with the whole loaf and break both.

A Tanna taught in the presence of Rab Nahman b. Isaac : One should place the piece of bread with the whole loaf and break them both and then say the benediction. Rab Nahman said to him, "What is thy name?" He replied, "Shalman." He said to him, "Peaceful art thou and peaceful thy teaching, for thou hast restored peace between the disciples."

A Tanna taught in the presence of Rab Nahman b. Isaac : One should place the piece of bread with the whole loaf and break them both and then say the benediction. Rab Nahman said to him, "What is thy name?" He replied, "Shalman." He said to him, "Peaceful art thou and peaceful thy teaching, for thou hast restored peace between the disciples."

GEMARA Who is it that teaches that the main feature about the tree is the earth? Rab Nahman b. Isaac said: It is R. Judah ; for there is a Mishnaic teaching: If the water-supply dried up or the tree was cut down, one brings [the first-fruits to Jerusalem] but does not make the declaration. R. Judah says: He both brings [the first-fruits] and makes the declaration.

If, over fruits of the earth, etc. This is evident ! Rab Nahman b. Isaac said : It is only necessary for R. Judah who declares that wheat is a kind of tree ; for there is a teaching : The tree from which Adam ate was — so says R. Meir — the vine, because thou hast nothing which brings lamentation upon man as does wine; as it is said, "And he drank of the wine, and was drunken" (Gen. ix. 21). R. Nehemiah says: It was the fig-tree, for by the very thing that they were disgraced were they restored ; as it is said, "And they sewed fig-leaves together" (ibid. iii. 7). R. Judah said : It was wheat, because a child does not know to call "Father, mother" before it has tasted wheat.

It has been reported : If they set before them figs and grapes in the middle of a meal, Rab Huna declared that they require a benediction before partaking thereof but not after. Similarly said Rab Nahman : They require a benediction before partaking thereof but not after. But Rab Sheshet said : They require a benediction both before and after, because there is nothing which requires a benediction before partaking thereof which does not require one after it, bread offered as a dessert being alone excepted. This is at variance with the statement of R. Hiyya who said : [The benediction over] bread exempts all other articles of food, and that over wine exempts all other kinds of beverage [from the necessity of another benediction].

Rab Huna ate thirteen rolls, three to a Kab in size, and said no Grace. Rab Nahman said to him, "Is there still hunger!" But everything which others fix as a meal requires Grace.

Rab said : He is exempt [from repeating the benediction] ; but Rab Kahana said : He is not. Rab Nahman said: He is exempt; but Rab Sheshet said : He is not. Rab Huna, Rab Judah and all the pupils of Rab say : He is not. Raba quoted against Rab Nahman : If wine is set for them in the course of the meal, each one says the benediction for himself ; after the meal, one may say it for all! He replied : This is what he means to say, If no wine was set for them in the course of the meal, only after it, then one may say the benediction for all.

Rab said : He is exempt [from repeating the benediction] ; but Rab Kahana said : He is not. Rab Nahman said: He is exempt; but Rab Sheshet said : He is not. Rab Huna, Rab Judah and all the pupils of Rab say : He is not. Raba quoted against Rab Nahman : If wine is set for them in the course of the meal, each one says the benediction for himself ; after the meal, one may say it for all! He replied : This is what he means to say, If no wine was set for them in the course of the meal, only after it, then one may say the benediction for all.

Rab Nahman b. Isaac said : [This Baraita refers to the case where] for instance men say, "Let us go and eat our meal in a certain place."

He should not go out with patched sandals. This supports the statement of R. Hiyya b. Abba who said : It is a disgrace for a disciple of the wise to go out with patched sandals. But it is not so; for R. Hiyya b. Abba went out thus! Mar Zotra b. Rab Nahman said : It means with a patch on top of a patch, and it refers only to the legging ; but as for the sole, we have no objection. And even in the case of the legging, it means only when walking by the way ; but as for wearing such in the house, we have no objection. It further refers to the days of Summer, but in the days of Winter we have no objection.

Rab Nahman b. Isaac objected : They eat and we make the benediction ! Nay, the wording should be reversed ; Rab Hisda said : "For the land and for the fruits" and R. Johanan said : "For the land and its fruits."

Rab Nahman said: Until "We will bless"; but Rab Sheshet said: Until "[Blessed art Thou, O Lord,] Who givest food unto all."

No ; Rab Nahman reconciles [the two conflicting versions] according to his opinion, and so does Rab Sheshet.

Rab Nahman reconciles them according to his opinion — Everybody agrees that [the Zimmun benediction extends] until "We will bless" ; that is quite right for him who said "Three or four," but as for him who said "Two or three," he could tell thee that we are here dealing with the Grace of the day-labourers ; for the teacher has said: Such an one opens with "Who feedest" and includes "Who ...rebuildest Jerusalem" in the benediction of "the land."

Rab Nahman b. Isaac said : Thou mayest know that "Who art kind and dealest kindly" is not ordained by the Torah, because they omit it in the house of a mourner; according to the teaching : What do they say in the house of a mourner ? "Blessed... Who art kind and dealest kindly." R. 'Akiba said, "Blessed be the true Judge."

Rab Huna said : Nine and the Ark may be reckoned together for a quorum. Rab Nahman asked him : Is the Ark a man ! But, said Rab Huna, since nine look like ten, they may be reckoned together. Another version is : When they are gathered together; another version is : When they are scattered.

R. Ammi said : Two and the Sabbath may be reckoned together for Zimmun. Rab Nahman asked him : Is the Sabbath a man! But, said R. Ammi, two disciples of the wise who sharpen [their minds] one against the other with the study of Halakah may be reckoned together [for Zimmun]. Rab Hisda declared : For instance, I and Rab Sheshet. Rab Sheshet declared : For instance, I and Rab Hisda.

But the Halakah is not in agreement with any of these teachings, but with that which Rab Nahman said : A minor who understands to Whom we say Grace is to be included for Zimmun.

Rab Nahman said : Moses instituted for Israel the benediction "Who feedest" at the time the manna descended for them. Joshua instituted for them the benediction of "the land" when they entered the land [of Canaan]. David and Solomon instituted [what follows] until "Who... rebuildest Jerusalem." David instituted "[Have mercy, O Lord our God] upon Israel Thy people, upon Jerusalem Thy city," and Solomon instituted "and upon the great and holy House." The benediction "Who art kind and dealest kindly" was instituted in Jabneh in connection with the slain of Bethar ; for Rab Mattena said : On the day the slain of Bethar were allowed burial, there was instituted in Jabneh the benediction "Who art kind and dealest kindly" — "Who art kind," because the bodies did not decompose ; "and dealest kindly," because they were allowed burial.

Rab Sheshet said : If one opens with "Have mercy... upon Israel Thy people," he concludes with "Who savest Israel" ; if one opens with "Have mercy... upon Jerusalem Thy city," he concludes with "Who...rebuildest Jerusalem." Rab Nahman said: Even if one opens with "Have mercy... upon Israel Thy people," he should conclude with "Who... rebuildest Jerusalem"; because it is said, "The Lord doth build up Jerusalem, He gathereth together the dispersed of Israel" (Ps. cxlvii. 2) — when "doth the Lord build up Jerusalem"? At the time that "He gathereth together the dispersed of Israel."

Giddel b. Minjomi was standing before Rab Nahman. Rab Nahman made a mistake [in the Grace]

Giddel b. Minjomi was standing before Rab Nahman. Rab Nahman made a mistake [in the Grace]

Rab Iddi b. Abin said in the name of Rab 'Amram, in the name of Rab Nahman, in the name of Samuel: If one erred and omitted the reference to the New Moon in the Tefillah we make him repeat it: in the Grace after meals we do not make him repeat it.

Rab Abin asked Rab 'Amram, "Why is the Tefillah different from the Grace after meals in this respect?" He replied, "To me also that was a difficulty and I put the question to Rab Nahman, who told me, 'I have not heard the reason from the master, Samuel' ; but let us see : With regard to the Tefillah which is an obligation, we make him repeat it ; but with regard to the Grace after meals, where one can eat or not eat just as he pleases, we do not make him repeat it."

'Ulla visited the house of Rab Nahman; he wrapped the bread and said Grace and gave the cup of benediction to Rab Nahman. Rab Nahman said to him, "Let the master send the cup of benediction to Jalta." He replied, "Thus spake R. Johanan: The fruit of a woman's body is only blessed through the fruit of a man's body; as it is said, 'He will also bless the fruit of thy body' (Deut. vii. 13) — it is not said 'the fruit of her body' but 'the fruit of thy body'."

'Ulla visited the house of Rab Nahman; he wrapped the bread and said Grace and gave the cup of benediction to Rab Nahman. Rab Nahman said to him, "Let the master send the cup of benediction to Jalta." He replied, "Thus spake R. Johanan: The fruit of a woman's body is only blessed through the fruit of a man's body; as it is said, 'He will also bless the fruit of thy body' (Deut. vii. 13) — it is not said 'the fruit of her body' but 'the fruit of thy body'."

'Ulla visited the house of Rab Nahman; he wrapped the bread and said Grace and gave the cup of benediction to Rab Nahman. Rab Nahman said to him, "Let the master send the cup of benediction to Jalta." He replied, "Thus spake R. Johanan: The fruit of a woman's body is only blessed through the fruit of a man's body; as it is said, 'He will also bless the fruit of thy body' (Deut. vii. 13) — it is not said 'the fruit of her body' but 'the fruit of thy body'."

Meanwhile Jalta heard [that the cup of benediction had not been sent to her]. She arose in anger, went to the wine-cellar and broke four hundred flasks of wine. Rab Nahman said to him, "Let the master send her another cup." 'Ulla sent it to her [with the message], "All this measure of wine belongs to the benediction." She sent back the reply, "From pedlars comes gossip, from rags come vermin."

Rab Assi said : One must not speak over the cup of benediction. Rab Assi also said : We may not say the benediction over a cup of ill-luck. What means "a cup of ill-luck"? Rab Nahman b. Isaac said : A second cup. There is a teaching to the same effect : He who drinks [cups of wine] of an even number should not say Grace ; because it is said, "Prepare to meet thy God, O Israel" (Amos iv. 12); but such an one is not fitly prepared.

Rab Nahman b. Isaac said : What means "rested"? It rested from work which is a transgression [on the Sabbath]. There is a teaching to the same effect : We may at the conclusion of the Sabbath say the benediction over [the light of] a lantern which has been burning the whole day.

Hiyya b. Rab said: refers to a man] who has not eaten with them. Similarly said Rab Nahman in the name of Rabbah b. Abbuha : It refers to a man who has eaten with them. Rab said to his son Hiyya, "My son, snatch [the cup of wine] and say Grace" ; and similarly said Rab Huna to his son Rabbah, "Snatch [the cup of wine] and say Grace."

Rab Nahman b. Isaac said : I know neither Zilai nor Ziwai nor Zohamai ; but I know the following teaching : Rab Judah said in the name of Rab (another version : it is taught in a Baraita) : "Sanctify yourselves" (Lev. xi. 44) — i.e. the washing before the meal ; "and be ye holy" (ibid.) — i.e. the washing after the meal ; "for holy" (ibid.) — i.e. the oil ; "I am the Lord your God" — i.e. the Grace.

Who dreams of Ishmael, his prayer will be heard; but only of Ishmael the son of Abraham, and not of an ordinary Arab. Who dreams of a camel, death had been decreed upon him by Heaven, but he has been delivered therefrom. R. Hamma b. R. Hannina said : What is the Scriptural authority for this ? "I will go down with thee into Egypt ; and I will also surely bring thee up again" (Gen. xlvi. 4). Rab Nahman b. Isaac said : It may be derived from the following, "The Lord also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die" (II Sam. xii. 13).

A Tanna taught in the presence of Rab Nahman b. Isaac : Who dreams of blood-letting, his sins will be pardoned him.

Our Rabbis have taught: "Who beholds the graves of Israel says: "Blessed... Who formed you in judgment, Who nourished you in judgment, sustained you in judgment, and gathered you in judgment, and will hereafter raise you in judgment." Mar b. Rabina concluded the benediction in the name of Rab Nahman : "And knowest the number of you all in judgment, and will hereafter restore you to life and cause you to survive. Blessed... Who quickenest the dead." [Who beholds] the graves of idolaters says, "Your mother shall be sore ashamed" (Jer. 1. 12).

Then He should have created two other stars ! "There is nothing new under the sun" (Eccles. i. 9). Rab Nahman said : The Holy One, blessed be He, will hereafter restore them; as it is said, "And the 'Ajish will be comforted for her children."

Rab Nahman b. Rab Hisda expounded : What means that which is written, "Then the Lord God formed man" (Gen. ii. 7), the word wayyiser "and He formed" being spelt with two letters yod? The Holy One, blessed be He, created two impulses, one good and the other evil.

Rab Nahman b. Isaac objected : Therefore since the word wayyiser is not mentioned in connection with the animal it has no evil impulse, and yet we see it injuring and biting and kicking ! Nay [the double yod is to be explained] according to the statement of R. Simeon b. Pazzi who said : Woe to me because of my Creator [yoseri], and woe to me because of my impulse [yisri].

It is quite right according to him who says it was a face ; that is what is written, "He closed up the place with flesh instead thereof " (ibid. ii. 21). But according to him who said it was a tail, what means "He closed up the place with flesh instead thereof"? R. Jeremiah (other versions : Rab Zebid ; Rab Nahman b. Isaac) said : That was only necessary in the place of the wound.

According to him who said [Eve was made from] a face, which of them went in front? Rab Nahman b. Isaac said : It is more probable that the masculine countenance went in front ; for there is a teaching : A man should never walk behind a woman along the road, even his own wife. Should a woman meet him on a bridge he should let her pass by on the side ; and whoever crosses a stream behind a woman will have no portion in the world to come.

Rab Nahman said : Manoah was an 'Am ha'ares; for it is written, "And Manoah went after his wife" (Judges xiii. 11).

Rab Nahman b. Isaac retorted : But that is likewise true of Elisha ; for it is written, "And he arose and followed her" (II Kings iv. 30) — here also he actually walked behind her ! Nay ; [it means that Elisha] followed her words and advice, and so also [in the instance of Manoah] he followed her words and advice.

Rab Ashe said : With reference to what Rab Nahman said, viz. that Manoah was an 'Am ha'ares, he had not even learnt [the Scriptures which are taught] in an elementary school; as it is said, "And Rebekah arose, and her damsels, and they rode upon the camels, and followed the man" (Gen. xxiv. 61) — they went behind the man, not in front of him.

Why should we not wipe with the right hand but only with the left? Raba said : Because the Torah was given with the right hand ; as it is said, "At His right hand was a fiery law unto them" (Deut. xxxiii. 2). Rabbah b. Bar Hannah said : Because it is near the mouths. R. Simeon b. Lakish said : Because he binds the Tefillin with it. Rab Nahman b. Isaac said: Because he points to the accents of the Torah with it.

A certain funeral-orator who went down [to deliver an address] in the presence of Rab Nahman said, "How modest was [the deceased] in his habits!" Rab Nahman said to him, "Didst thou ever go into a privy with him that thou knowest whether he was modest or not? For there is a teaching : He only is called modest who is so in a privy."

A certain funeral-orator who went down [to deliver an address] in the presence of Rab Nahman said, "How modest was [the deceased] in his habits!" Rab Nahman said to him, "Didst thou ever go into a privy with him that thou knowest whether he was modest or not? For there is a teaching : He only is called modest who is so in a privy."

But what had Rab Nahman to care about in this matter? Because there is a teaching : As the dead are called to account [for their deeds], so are the funeral-orators and they who respond ["Amen"] after them called to account.

Nor may one enter the Temple Mount with his staff"...; nor may he use it as a short cut [koppendaria]. What means koppendaria? Raba said : A short cut, as the word implies. But Rab Hanna b. Adda said in the name of Rab Samma b. R. Mari: It is as people say, "Instead of going round the row of houses, I will go through it" Rab Nahman said in the name of Rabbah b. Abbuha: If one enters a Synagogue not for the purpose of making it a short cut, he may use it in that manner.