rainfall

From when are all people permitted to take gleanings, [forgotten sheaves and peah]? After the old ones of the poor have gone. And in the case of peret and defective clusters? After the poor have gone into the vineyard and come back again. And in the case of the olive trees? After the descent of the second rainfall. Rabbi Judah said: But aren’t there those who do not harvest their olives until after the second rainfall?” Rather, once the poor man has gone out [to gather the agricultural gifts taken from olive trees] and cannot bring back with him [more than the value of] four issars.

From when are all people permitted to take gleanings, [forgotten sheaves and peah]? After the old ones of the poor have gone. And in the case of peret and defective clusters? After the poor have gone into the vineyard and come back again. And in the case of the olive trees? After the descent of the second rainfall. Rabbi Judah said: But aren’t there those who do not harvest their olives until after the second rainfall?” Rather, once the poor man has gone out [to gather the agricultural gifts taken from olive trees] and cannot bring back with him [more than the value of] four issars.

If one gathered moist herbs, he may eat them until the sweet [herbs in the field] have dried up. And if he gathered dry [herbs], [he may eat them] until the second rainfall. Leaves of reeds and of leaves of the vine [may be eaten] until they fall from the stems. But if he gathered them dry, they may be eaten until the second rainfall. Rabbi Akiba says: in all these cases, [they may be eaten] until the second rainfall.

If one gathered moist herbs, he may eat them until the sweet [herbs in the field] have dried up. And if he gathered dry [herbs], [he may eat them] until the second rainfall. Leaves of reeds and of leaves of the vine [may be eaten] until they fall from the stems. But if he gathered them dry, they may be eaten until the second rainfall. Rabbi Akiba says: in all these cases, [they may be eaten] until the second rainfall.

If one gathered moist herbs, he may eat them until the sweet [herbs in the field] have dried up. And if he gathered dry [herbs], [he may eat them] until the second rainfall. Leaves of reeds and of leaves of the vine [may be eaten] until they fall from the stems. But if he gathered them dry, they may be eaten until the second rainfall. Rabbi Akiba says: in all these cases, [they may be eaten] until the second rainfall.

Similarly, if one rents a house to someone “until the rains,” he means until the second rainfall. Or if one had vowed not to derive any benefit from his friend “until the rains” [he is prohibited] until the second rainfall. Until when may the poor enter the orchards? Until the second rainfall. And when may one begin to enjoy or burn the straw and stubble of sabbatical produce? After the second rainfall.

Similarly, if one rents a house to someone “until the rains,” he means until the second rainfall. Or if one had vowed not to derive any benefit from his friend “until the rains” [he is prohibited] until the second rainfall. Until when may the poor enter the orchards? Until the second rainfall. And when may one begin to enjoy or burn the straw and stubble of sabbatical produce? After the second rainfall.

Similarly, if one rents a house to someone “until the rains,” he means until the second rainfall. Or if one had vowed not to derive any benefit from his friend “until the rains” [he is prohibited] until the second rainfall. Until when may the poor enter the orchards? Until the second rainfall. And when may one begin to enjoy or burn the straw and stubble of sabbatical produce? After the second rainfall.

Similarly, if one rents a house to someone “until the rains,” he means until the second rainfall. Or if one had vowed not to derive any benefit from his friend “until the rains” [he is prohibited] until the second rainfall. Until when may the poor enter the orchards? Until the second rainfall. And when may one begin to enjoy or burn the straw and stubble of sabbatical produce? After the second rainfall.

The order of public fasts mentioned above is enacted because of [lack of] the first rain, but if the crops have undergone [an unusual] change they sound a blast immediately. Similarly, if the rain has stopped for forty days between one rainfall and the next, they sound a blast immediately, because it is a plague of drought.

[If one vows,] “Until the rains,” [or], “Until the rains shall be”, [he is forbidden] until the second rainfall descends. Rabban Shimon ben Gamaliel says: until the [normal] time for the [second] rainfall is reached. [If one vows,] “Until the rains cease,” [he is forbidden] until all of Nisan is completed, the words of Rabbi Meir. Rabbi Judah says: Until Pesach is over. [If one vows,] “Konam that I taste not wine for a year”, if the year is intercalated, he is forbidden during the year and its extension. [If one says,] “Until the beginning of Adar,” [he is forbidden] until the beginning of the first Adar; “Until the end of Adar,” until the end of the first Adar. Rabbi Judah says: [If one vows, “Konam that I taste no wine until Pesach shall be,” he is forbidden only until Pesach night, for he meant until the hour when people usually drink wine.

[If one vows,] “Until the rains,” [or], “Until the rains shall be”, [he is forbidden] until the second rainfall descends. Rabban Shimon ben Gamaliel says: until the [normal] time for the [second] rainfall is reached. [If one vows,] “Until the rains cease,” [he is forbidden] until all of Nisan is completed, the words of Rabbi Meir. Rabbi Judah says: Until Pesach is over. [If one vows,] “Konam that I taste not wine for a year”, if the year is intercalated, he is forbidden during the year and its extension. [If one says,] “Until the beginning of Adar,” [he is forbidden] until the beginning of the first Adar; “Until the end of Adar,” until the end of the first Adar. Rabbi Judah says: [If one vows, “Konam that I taste no wine until Pesach shall be,” he is forbidden only until Pesach night, for he meant until the hour when people usually drink wine.

Rav Yehudah bar Ezechiel said, my father used to recite for rainfall: May Your Name be magnified, sanctified, praised, and elevated, our King, for every drop that You bring down to us, and you make them refrain one from the other. (Job 36:27) “For He reduces water drippings;” as one says (Lev. 27:18): “Your value will be reduced.” Rebbi Yudan said, not only that, but He brings them down in measure, as it is said (Job 28:25): “Water He determined by measure.” Rebbi Yose bar Jacob went to visit Rebbi Yudan from Migdal. While he was there, rain started to come down and he heard his (R. Yudan’s) voice saying: Thousands of thousands and myriads of myriads we are obliged to thank Your Name, our King, for every drop that You bring down to us, for You do good things for the guilty ones. He said to him: From where do you have this? He said to him: This is the benediction that Rebbi Simon recited for rainfall.

Rav Yehudah bar Ezechiel said, my father used to recite for rainfall: May Your Name be magnified, sanctified, praised, and elevated, our King, for every drop that You bring down to us, and you make them refrain one from the other. (Job 36:27) “For He reduces water drippings;” as one says (Lev. 27:18): “Your value will be reduced.” Rebbi Yudan said, not only that, but He brings them down in measure, as it is said (Job 28:25): “Water He determined by measure.” Rebbi Yose bar Jacob went to visit Rebbi Yudan from Migdal. While he was there, rain started to come down and he heard his (R. Yudan’s) voice saying: Thousands of thousands and myriads of myriads we are obliged to thank Your Name, our King, for every drop that You bring down to us, for You do good things for the guilty ones. He said to him: From where do you have this? He said to him: This is the benediction that Rebbi Simon recited for rainfall.

How much rain should fall that it is considered fertilizing? If it fills a vessel of three hand-breadths, the words of Rebbi Meïr. Rebbi Yehudah says, the first rainfall one hand-breadth, the second one two hand breadths, and the third one three hand-breadths. It has been stated: Rebbi Simeon ben Eleazar says, there is no hand-breadth that falls from above that the earth does not raise two hand-breadths towards it. What is the reason? (Ps. 42:8) “The deep calls to the deep by the sound of Your water spouts.”

And Rebbi Levi said: The upper waters are male and the lower ones female. What is the reason? (Is. 45:8) “The earth shall open,” like a female who opens before a male; “they should bear fruit of help,” that is being fruitful and multiplying; “and justice shall sprout together,” that is rainfall; “I, the Eternal, did create it,” for that I created it, for the well-being of the world. Rebbi Aḥa stated it in the name of Rebbi Simeon ben Gamliel: Why is it called “fertilizing,” because it impregnates the earth.

MISHNAH: When is everybody permitted to take gleanings of grain? After the second wave of seekers is gone. Single grapes and gleanings of grapes, after the poor have come to the vineyard and gone. Olives after the second wave of rainfall. Rebbi Jehudah said, are there not people who do not harvest their olives until after the second wave of rainfall? Rather when a poor man goes out and does not collect more than the value of four assarii.

MISHNAH: When is everybody permitted to take gleanings of grain? After the second wave of seekers is gone. Single grapes and gleanings of grapes, after the poor have come to the vineyard and gone. Olives after the second wave of rainfall. Rebbi Jehudah said, are there not people who do not harvest their olives until after the second wave of rainfall? Rather when a poor man goes out and does not collect more than the value of four assarii.

“Olives after the second wave of rainfall.” We did not state “the second wave of seekers;” since when it is cold, only young people will go out.

MISHNAH: One may pluck green grasses until the colocynth dries up, and collect dry ones until the second rainfall, leaves of reeds and vines until they fall off from their stems, and collect dry ones until the second rainfall. But Rebbi Aqiba says, all until the second rainfall. Similarly, if one rents out a house until the rains, that is until the second rainfall. If somebody makes a vow not to have any profit from another person until the rains, that is until the second rainfall. Until when may the poor enter orchards? Until the second rainfall. Until when may one use and burn Sabbatical straw and chaff? Until the second rainfall.

MISHNAH: One may pluck green grasses until the colocynth dries up, and collect dry ones until the second rainfall, leaves of reeds and vines until they fall off from their stems, and collect dry ones until the second rainfall. But Rebbi Aqiba says, all until the second rainfall. Similarly, if one rents out a house until the rains, that is until the second rainfall. If somebody makes a vow not to have any profit from another person until the rains, that is until the second rainfall. Until when may the poor enter orchards? Until the second rainfall. Until when may one use and burn Sabbatical straw and chaff? Until the second rainfall.

MISHNAH: One may pluck green grasses until the colocynth dries up, and collect dry ones until the second rainfall, leaves of reeds and vines until they fall off from their stems, and collect dry ones until the second rainfall. But Rebbi Aqiba says, all until the second rainfall. Similarly, if one rents out a house until the rains, that is until the second rainfall. If somebody makes a vow not to have any profit from another person until the rains, that is until the second rainfall. Until when may the poor enter orchards? Until the second rainfall. Until when may one use and burn Sabbatical straw and chaff? Until the second rainfall.

MISHNAH: One may pluck green grasses until the colocynth dries up, and collect dry ones until the second rainfall, leaves of reeds and vines until they fall off from their stems, and collect dry ones until the second rainfall. But Rebbi Aqiba says, all until the second rainfall. Similarly, if one rents out a house until the rains, that is until the second rainfall. If somebody makes a vow not to have any profit from another person until the rains, that is until the second rainfall. Until when may the poor enter orchards? Until the second rainfall. Until when may one use and burn Sabbatical straw and chaff? Until the second rainfall.

MISHNAH: One may pluck green grasses until the colocynth dries up, and collect dry ones until the second rainfall, leaves of reeds and vines until they fall off from their stems, and collect dry ones until the second rainfall. But Rebbi Aqiba says, all until the second rainfall. Similarly, if one rents out a house until the rains, that is until the second rainfall. If somebody makes a vow not to have any profit from another person until the rains, that is until the second rainfall. Until when may the poor enter orchards? Until the second rainfall. Until when may one use and burn Sabbatical straw and chaff? Until the second rainfall.

MISHNAH: One may pluck green grasses until the colocynth dries up, and collect dry ones until the second rainfall, leaves of reeds and vines until they fall off from their stems, and collect dry ones until the second rainfall. But Rebbi Aqiba says, all until the second rainfall. Similarly, if one rents out a house until the rains, that is until the second rainfall. If somebody makes a vow not to have any profit from another person until the rains, that is until the second rainfall. Until when may the poor enter orchards? Until the second rainfall. Until when may one use and burn Sabbatical straw and chaff? Until the second rainfall.

MISHNAH: One may pluck green grasses until the colocynth dries up, and collect dry ones until the second rainfall, leaves of reeds and vines until they fall off from their stems, and collect dry ones until the second rainfall. But Rebbi Aqiba says, all until the second rainfall. Similarly, if one rents out a house until the rains, that is until the second rainfall. If somebody makes a vow not to have any profit from another person until the rains, that is until the second rainfall. Until when may the poor enter orchards? Until the second rainfall. Until when may one use and burn Sabbatical straw and chaff? Until the second rainfall.

It was stated: Rebbi Yose says, everything that depends on fertility extends until the second rainfall, if it is not dependent on fertility, until the expected time of the second rainfall. It was stated: Rabban Simeon ben Gamliel says, if rains came for seven uninterrupted days, they include the second rainfall. Rebbi Ḥiyya stated in the name of Rabban Simeon ben Gamliel: Why is it called רביעה? Because it fertilizes the land.

It was stated: Rebbi Yose says, everything that depends on fertility extends until the second rainfall, if it is not dependent on fertility, until the expected time of the second rainfall. It was stated: Rabban Simeon ben Gamliel says, if rains came for seven uninterrupted days, they include the second rainfall. Rebbi Ḥiyya stated in the name of Rabban Simeon ben Gamliel: Why is it called רביעה? Because it fertilizes the land.

It was stated: Rebbi Yose says, everything that depends on fertility extends until the second rainfall, if it is not dependent on fertility, until the expected time of the second rainfall. It was stated: Rabban Simeon ben Gamliel says, if rains came for seven uninterrupted days, they include the second rainfall. Rebbi Ḥiyya stated in the name of Rabban Simeon ben Gamliel: Why is it called רביעה? Because it fertilizes the land.

HALAKHAH: Paragraph. “A person may make his eruv conditional,” etc. So is the Mishnah: “A person can impose a condition on his ˋeruvin.” Rebbi Eleazar said, who is the Tanna of “if they came”, “if they did not come”? Rebbi Meïr! Which Rebbi Meïr? The colleagues say, Rebbi Meïr of Qiddušin. As it was stated: If somebody say to a woman: You are preliminarily married to me on condition that there will be rain. If rain fell, she is preliminarily married, otherwise she is not preliminarily married. Rebbi Meïr says, she is preliminarily married whether or not rain fell unless he doubled his condition. Everybody agrees that if he said, after rainfall, if it rained she is preliminarily married, otherwise she is not preliminarily married. (But following the rabbis she is preliminarily married whether rain fell or not.) Rebbi Yose said, it follows Rebbi Meïr in Eruvin, as we have stated there: “If it is a matter of uncertainty„ Rebbi Meïr and Rebbi Jehudah say, he is a donkey driver-camel driver.” Rebbi Yose said, Rebbi Meïr said this only as a restriction. Rebbi Mana said, that is correct. He cannot acquire his ˋeruv since he is not able to enjoy it. [Why not] like the people of his place? If he had decided to leave his place. And here, she is not preliminarily married to the first, since no rain came. She is not preliminarily married to the second, since the first did not double his condition. Rebbi Ḥaggai asked before Rebbi Yose: Is this “if” not a reaction? He answered, there is a difference since the land was in their hand and he wanted to take it away from them.

HALAKHAH: There, we have stated: “They went, ate, and drank. In the evening they returned and red the Great Hallel.” What is the Great Hallel? Rebbi Pamakh in the name of Rebbi Ḥaninah; Give thanks to Almighty God. Rebbi Joḥanan said, on condition of who stand in the Eternal’s house. Why these two chapters? Because rainfall is included in them. In the opinion of Rebbi Joḥanan it is understandable, for it is written, He brings up vapors from the ends of the earth. How is it for Rebbi Ḥaninah? Because it is written, He gives nourishment to all flesh; Truly, His kindness is forever. Rebbi Abba, Rebbi Simon, both are saying, ours. Rebbi Joshua ben Levi said, ours. Bar Qappara said, ours. Bar Qappara follows his opinion, as it was stated: “during the existence of a third group they never reached I am loving; truly the Eternal listened to my voice, my supplication, since its people were few.” Bar Qappara stated, this is the Great Hallel. A patrician stood before the Ark; he said to them, repeat after me what I am saying. This implies that it is not ours. Rebbi Mana said, it is ours. The miracle was great; therefore he said to them, repeat after me what I am saying.

“Rebbi Joshua said, since rain during Tabernacles is not a sign of blessing, why should he mention? Rebbi Eliezer said to him, he only says ‘He Who makes the wind blow and brings down the rain’, in its appropriate time.” In its time it is desirable like the resurrection of the dead. Rebbi Yose said, I am wondering how the rabbis could compare rainfall to the resurrection of the dead, but they are not comparable. A person prays all the time for the dead to become alive. Does a person pray for rain to fall all the time?

HALAKHAH: The Mishnah is Rebbi Meïr’s, as it was stated, “what is the time of rainfall? Rebbi Meïr says, the early one on the Third, the average one on the Seventh, and the late one on the Seventeenth. Rebbi Jehudah says, the early one on the Seventh, the average on on the Seventeenth, and the late one on the Twenty-third. Rebbi Yose said, the early one on the Seventeenth, the average one on the Twenty-third, and the late one on the Thirtieth day, since we find that particular people only start to fast on the New Moon of Kislev.” Rebbi Abbamari, the brother of Rebbi Yose, said: everybody agrees that the Seventeenth is the time for the pleiads to disappear, since on it the Deluge came over the world. What is the reason? On this day all sources of the deep abyss were opened. Rebbi Abba bar Zamina, Rebbi Eleazar in the name of Rebbi Hoshaia: Practice follows him who says, “on the Third of Marḥeshwan one prays for rain”. And why did he not say, following Rebbi Meïr? There are Tannaim who switch.

Rav Jehudah bar Ezechiel said, so was my father Ezechiel used to recite for rainfall: May Your Name be magnified, sanctified, praised, and elevated, our King, for every drop that You bring down to us, and you make them refrain one from the other. [As it is said,] for He reduces water drippings; they combine as rain for a flood, as one says, the valuation will be reduced. Rebbi Yudan, the father of Rebbi Mattaniah, said, not only that, but He brings them down in measure, as it is said: Water He determined by measure.” Rebbi Yose bar Jacob went to visit Rebbi Yudan from Migdal. While he was there, rain started to come down and he heard his voice saying: Thousands of thousands we are obliged to thank Your Name, our King, for every drop that You bring down to us, for You do good things for the guilty ones. He said to him: From where do you have this? He said to him: This is the benediction that Rebbi Simon recited for rainfall.

Rav Jehudah bar Ezechiel said, so was my father Ezechiel used to recite for rainfall: May Your Name be magnified, sanctified, praised, and elevated, our King, for every drop that You bring down to us, and you make them refrain one from the other. [As it is said,] for He reduces water drippings; they combine as rain for a flood, as one says, the valuation will be reduced. Rebbi Yudan, the father of Rebbi Mattaniah, said, not only that, but He brings them down in measure, as it is said: Water He determined by measure.” Rebbi Yose bar Jacob went to visit Rebbi Yudan from Migdal. While he was there, rain started to come down and he heard his voice saying: Thousands of thousands we are obliged to thank Your Name, our King, for every drop that You bring down to us, for You do good things for the guilty ones. He said to him: From where do you have this? He said to him: This is the benediction that Rebbi Simon recited for rainfall.

How much rain should fall that it is considered fertilizing? If it fills a vessel of three handb̮readths, the words of Rebbi Meïr. Rebbi Yehudah says, the first rainfall one handb̮readth, the second one two hand breadths, and the third one three handb̮readths. It has been stated: Rebbi Simeon ben Eleazar says, there is no handb̮readths that falls from above that the earth does not raise two handb̮readths towards it. What is the reason? The deep calls to the deep by the sound of Your water spouts.

Rebbi Levi said: The upper waters are male and the lower ones female. What is the reason? The earth shall open, they shall bear fruit of help. The earth shall open, like a female who opens before a male; they should bear fruit of help, that is being fruitful and multiplying; and justice shall sprout, that is rainfall; I, the Eternal, did create it, for this purpose I created it, for the wellb̮eing of the world. Rebbi Aḥa stated it in the name of Rebbi Simeon ben Gamliel: Why is it called “fertilizing”? Because it impregnates the earth.

MISHNAH: When the Seventeenth of Marḥeshwan arrived without rainfall, particular people started to fast. They eat and drink while it is dark and are permitted work, washing, and anointing, and wearing sandals, and sexual intercourse.

MISHNAH: If the New Moon of Kislev came without rainfall the Court decrees three public fast-days. They eat and drink while it is dark and are permitted work, washing, and anointing, and wearing sandals, and sexual intercourse.

MISHNAH: If these passed without rainfall the Court decrees three supplementary public fast-days. They eat and drink while it is daylight and are forbidden work, washing, anointing, wearing sandals, and sexual intercourse. In addition, one closes the bath houses.

MISHNAH: If these passed without rainfall the Court decrees seven supplementary public fast-days for a total of thirteen. Additional to the prior ones on these one blows horns and locks the stores. On Mondays one relaxes at nightfall; on Thursdays they are permitted because of the honor of the Sabbath.

MISHNAH: If these passed without rainfall one decreases commercial activity, building, planting, preliminary and definitive marriage, and greetings between people, as persons reprimanded by the Omnipresent. Particular people continue to fast up to the end of Nisan. If it rained after the end of Nisan it is a sign of curse as it is said, is today not harvest of wheat?

“But what can I do since you are misbehaving before the Omnipresent like a son who misbehaves towards his father who does his will.” Rebbi Berekhia, Rebbi Abba bar Cahana, Rebbi Ze`ira in the name of Rav Jehudah. But some say it in the name of Rav Ḥisda, and some say it in the name of Rav Mattanah. You decide the command and He confirms it for you. Why does the verse say, “for you”? But even if I am saying so and you are saying otherwise, yours is enduring, Mine is not enduring. On your paths shines light; Rebbi Ḥiyya bar Abba said, this is rainfall. As heavy as He has loaded the rain-cloud, His light will disperse the cloud. For those humbled you order elevation; if I said to humble them and you say to elevate them, yours is enduring, Mine is not enduring. And the one of low eyes will be saved; I said to bring their eyes down by misfortune but you are saying to save them, yours is enduring, Mine is not enduring. I said, may the not-innocent escape? But you [said], he shall escape even though he is not innocent, yours is enduring, Mine is not enduring. What means, and he will escape by the purity of your hands, by the choice of your hands, by the merit of meritorious deeds and good works which were in your hands from before.

What is the Great Hallel? Rebbi Parnakh in the name of Rebbi Ḥaninah; Give thanks to the supreme Power; truly, His kindness is forever. Give thanks to the Master of masters; truly, His kindness is forever. Rebbi Joḥanan said, on condition of who stand in the Eternal’s house. Why these two chapters? Because rainfall is included in them. In the opinion of Rebbi Joḥanan it is understandable, for it is written, He brings up vapors from the ends of the earth. How is it for Rebbi Ḥaninah? Because it is written, He gives nourishment to all flesh; truly, His kindness is forever. Rebbi Abba, Rebbi Simon, both are saying, ours. Rebbi Joshua ben Levi said, ours. Bar Qappara said, ours. Bar Qappara follows his opinion, as it was stated: “during the existence of a third group they never reached I am loving; truly the Eternal listened to my voice, my supplication, since its people were few.” Bar Qappara stated, this is the Great Hallel. A patrician stood before the Ark; he said to them, repeat after me what I am saying. This implies that it is not ours. [Rebbi Mana said, it is ours.] The miracle was great; therefore he said to them, repeat after me what I am saying

HALAKHAH: “ ‘Until the rains,’ ” etc. Rebbi Ze‘ira asked: If one said ‘until the rain’, is he forbidden until another rainfall came down? There, we have stated: “One who said, I take upon me [the obligation to bring] wood, should not bring less that two cut logs.” Rebbi Yose the important said that Rebbi Abba bar Mamai asked, if he said, I take upon me [the obligation to bring] to bring wood, does he bring one cut log? Rebbi Eleazar said, a Mishnah explains that each one is a separate sacrifice, as we have stated there: “Two in whose hands are two cut logs.” In order to increase the number of logs.

There, we have stated: “A person can impose a condition of his ‘eruv.” So is the Mishnah: “A person can impose a condition of his‘eruvin.” Rebbi Eleazar said, who is the Tanna of “if they came”, “if they did not come”? Rebbi Meïr! Which Rebbi Meïr? The colleagues say, Rebbi Meïr of Qiddušin. As it was stated: If somebody say to a woman: You are preliminarily married to me on condition that there will be rain. If rain fell, she is preliminarily married, otherwise she is not preliminarily married. Rebbi Meïr says, she is preliminarily married whether or not rain fell unless he doubled his condition. Everybody agrees that if he said, after rainfall, if it rained she is preliminarily married, otherwise she is not preliminarily married. Rebbi Yose said, it follows Rebbi Meïr in Eruvin, as we have stated there: “If it be in doubt, Rebbi Meïr and Rebbi Jehudah say, he is a camel-donkey driver.” Rebbi Yose said, Rebbi Meïr said this only as a restriction. Rebbi Mana said, that is correct. He cannot acquire his ‘eruv since he is not able to enjoy it. [Why not] like the people of his place? If he had decided to leave his place. And here, she is not preliminarily married to the first, since no rain came. She is not preliminarily married to the second, since [the first] did not double his condition. Rebbi Ḥaggai asked before Rebbi Yose: Is this “if” not a reaction? He answered, there is a difference since the land was in their hand and he wanted to take it away from them.

One walks on permitted paths from the moment the harvest is cleared up to the second rainfall, and one may take shoots to plant from everywhere except from olive trees and vines. From olives trees from the very young and the very old, but if it was like a ṭrgwl even from the very young it is forbidden.

Do they not [know of the troubles of others]? Lo, there is a teaching : It once happened that a pious man gave a denarius to a beggar on the New Year's eve in a time of drought. His wife upbraided him ; so he went and spent the night in the cemetery. He heard two spirits conversing. One said to the other, "Come, friend, let us wander in the world and hear behind the curtain what visitation is to come upon the world." The other spirit replied, "I cannot, because I am buried in a matting of reeds; but go thou and report to me what thou hearest." She went, and having wandered about returned. The other asked, "What didst thou hear, friend, behind the curtain ?" She replied, "I heard that if one sows in the first rainfall, the hail will smite it." This man thereupon went and sowed in the second rainfall. [The hail] destroyed everybody's crops but not his.

Do they not [know of the troubles of others]? Lo, there is a teaching : It once happened that a pious man gave a denarius to a beggar on the New Year's eve in a time of drought. His wife upbraided him ; so he went and spent the night in the cemetery. He heard two spirits conversing. One said to the other, "Come, friend, let us wander in the world and hear behind the curtain what visitation is to come upon the world." The other spirit replied, "I cannot, because I am buried in a matting of reeds; but go thou and report to me what thou hearest." She went, and having wandered about returned. The other asked, "What didst thou hear, friend, behind the curtain ?" She replied, "I heard that if one sows in the first rainfall, the hail will smite it." This man thereupon went and sowed in the second rainfall. [The hail] destroyed everybody's crops but not his.

The following year, he again spent the [New Year's] night in the cemetery, and heard the same two spirits conversing. One said to the other, "Come, let us wander in the world and hear behind the curtain what visitation is to come upon the world." The other spirit replied, "Have I not told thee, friend, that I cannot, because I am buried in a matting of reeds? But go thou and come and tell me what thou hearest." She went, and wandered about and returned. The other spirit asked, "What didst thou hear behind the curtain ?" She replied, "I heard that if one sows in the second rainfall, it will be smitten by the blast." This man went and sowed in the first rainfall. What everybody else sowed was smitten by the blast, but not his.

The following year, he again spent the [New Year's] night in the cemetery, and heard the same two spirits conversing. One said to the other, "Come, let us wander in the world and hear behind the curtain what visitation is to come upon the world." The other spirit replied, "Have I not told thee, friend, that I cannot, because I am buried in a matting of reeds? But go thou and come and tell me what thou hearest." She went, and wandered about and returned. The other spirit asked, "What didst thou hear behind the curtain ?" She replied, "I heard that if one sows in the second rainfall, it will be smitten by the blast." This man went and sowed in the first rainfall. What everybody else sowed was smitten by the blast, but not his.

4. If the seventeenth of Marḥeshwan has come and there has been no rainfall, distinguished individuals begin to fast. On the nights preceding the fasts they may eat and drink, and on the fast days proper they may engage in work, may bathe, anoint themselves, wear shoes, and cohabit with their wives.

7. If all these fast days are passed and the community has not been answered, all business transactions, building, planting, betrothals, marriages, and greetings should be limited, as behooves persons excommunicated in the sight of God. Distinguished individuals begin again to fast till the end of Nisan. If there is rainfall after the end of Nisan, it is the sign of a curse, as it is said (I Samuel, 12.17): "Is it not wheat harvest today?" etc.

And He causeth to come down for you, etc. (Joel 2.23): Said R. Naḥman to R. Isaac: The former rain does not fall in Nisan, but in Marḥeshwan! For a Baraita reads (Sifrē, Deut., §42): The former rain falls in Marḥeshwan and the latter rain in Nisan! "Thus said R. Johanan," replied R. Isaac, "this verse (Joel, 2.23) has proven true (only) in the days of Joel the son of Petuel, for it is written (Joel, 1.4): 'That which the palmerworm hath left hath the locust eaten,' etc. Now there is a tradition that in that year Adar had passed without rainfall, and the first rain did not appear until the first of Nisan. The Prophet then said to the Israelites: Go out and sow! But they replied: Should one who has a Ḳab of wheat or two Ḳabs of barley, eat it and live, or sow it and die? The prophet said: Nevertheless go out and sow! They then went out and sowed. Thereupon a miracle happened, that all the grain which was hidden (by mice) in the walls and in crevices (by ants) and in the holes of ants, appeared before their eyes. Again they went out and sowed on the second, third, and fourth (of Nisan); on the fifth there was the second rainfall and on the sixteenth they offered the 'Omer. Thus, produce that used to ripen in six months ripened in eleven days, and the 'Omer which was usually offered from the crop that grew six months was now offered from one that grew in eleven days! With reference to that generation the Psalmist says (Ps., 126.5-6): 'They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. Though he goeth on his way weeping, bearing forth the seed; he shall come again with joy, bringing his sheaves with him.'"

And He causeth to come down for you, etc. (Joel 2.23): Said R. Naḥman to R. Isaac: The former rain does not fall in Nisan, but in Marḥeshwan! For a Baraita reads (Sifrē, Deut., §42): The former rain falls in Marḥeshwan and the latter rain in Nisan! "Thus said R. Johanan," replied R. Isaac, "this verse (Joel, 2.23) has proven true (only) in the days of Joel the son of Petuel, for it is written (Joel, 1.4): 'That which the palmerworm hath left hath the locust eaten,' etc. Now there is a tradition that in that year Adar had passed without rainfall, and the first rain did not appear until the first of Nisan. The Prophet then said to the Israelites: Go out and sow! But they replied: Should one who has a Ḳab of wheat or two Ḳabs of barley, eat it and live, or sow it and die? The prophet said: Nevertheless go out and sow! They then went out and sowed. Thereupon a miracle happened, that all the grain which was hidden (by mice) in the walls and in crevices (by ants) and in the holes of ants, appeared before their eyes. Again they went out and sowed on the second, third, and fourth (of Nisan); on the fifth there was the second rainfall and on the sixteenth they offered the 'Omer. Thus, produce that used to ripen in six months ripened in eleven days, and the 'Omer which was usually offered from the crop that grew six months was now offered from one that grew in eleven days! With reference to that generation the Psalmist says (Ps., 126.5-6): 'They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. Though he goeth on his way weeping, bearing forth the seed; he shall come again with joy, bringing his sheaves with him.'"

Another Baraita reads: Yoreh is the rain that falls in Marḥeshwan and malḳosh the one that falls in Nisan; this is the view of R. Meir, but the other Sages say, yoreh is the rain of Kislew. Who are the other Sages? Said R. Ḥisda, they are R. Jose, for we read (Tosefta, Ta'anit, ch. 1): When is the time of the fructification-rainfall? The earlier one on the third of Marḥeshwan, the intermediate on the seventh thereof, and the late on the seventeenth thereof; this is the view of R. Meir; R. Judah says, on the seventh, the seventeenth, and the twenty-third thereof; R. Jose says, on the seventeenth and the twenty-third of Marḥeshwan and on the first of Kislew. In accordance with this R. Jose also said that individuals should not fast for rain before the first of Kislew has come. Said R. Ḥisda, the law follows R. Judah.

It is quite proper to set a date for the first rainfall, because from that date on we are to pray for rain; it is also proper to fix a date for the third rainfall, because from that date on distinguished individuals begin to fast; but what is the object in fixing a date for the second rainfall? Said R. Zera: It is of importance for vows, for we read

It is quite proper to set a date for the first rainfall, because from that date on we are to pray for rain; it is also proper to fix a date for the third rainfall, because from that date on distinguished individuals begin to fast; but what is the object in fixing a date for the second rainfall? Said R. Zera: It is of importance for vows, for we read

It is quite proper to set a date for the first rainfall, because from that date on we are to pray for rain; it is also proper to fix a date for the third rainfall, because from that date on distinguished individuals begin to fast; but what is the object in fixing a date for the second rainfall? Said R. Zera: It is of importance for vows, for we read

in a Mishnah (Nedarim, 62b): If one sets the rainfall as the time limit to a vow, he must keep his vow until the appearance of the second rainfall. R. Zebid said: It is of importance with reference to olives, for we read (Peah, 8.1): From what time on is everybody free to take the gleanings, the forgotten sheaves, and the corners of the field? From the time the Gropers have gone. Fallen single grapes and small bunches of grapes may be taken from the time the poor have searched the place more than once. Olives may be taken after the second rainfall.

in a Mishnah (Nedarim, 62b): If one sets the rainfall as the time limit to a vow, he must keep his vow until the appearance of the second rainfall. R. Zebid said: It is of importance with reference to olives, for we read (Peah, 8.1): From what time on is everybody free to take the gleanings, the forgotten sheaves, and the corners of the field? From the time the Gropers have gone. Fallen single grapes and small bunches of grapes may be taken from the time the poor have searched the place more than once. Olives may be taken after the second rainfall.

in a Mishnah (Nedarim, 62b): If one sets the rainfall as the time limit to a vow, he must keep his vow until the appearance of the second rainfall. R. Zebid said: It is of importance with reference to olives, for we read (Peah, 8.1): From what time on is everybody free to take the gleanings, the forgotten sheaves, and the corners of the field? From the time the Gropers have gone. Fallen single grapes and small bunches of grapes may be taken from the time the poor have searched the place more than once. Olives may be taken after the second rainfall.

R. Papa said: The date (for the second rainfall) is of importance as regards walking through private property, for we read (Baba Ḳamma, 81a): One may walk through private property until the second rainfall. R. Naḥman b. Isaac said: It is of importance with regard to the removal of the fruits of the Sabbatical year, for we read (Shebi'it, 9.7): Until what time are we allowed to use or destroy the straw and stubble of the Sabbatical year? Until the second rainfall, as it is written (Lev., 25.7): "And for thy cattle and for the beasts that are in thy land, shall all the increase thereof be for food." This means to say that as long as the beasts find food in the field, you may feed your domestic animals from what there is in the house, but when there is nothing left in the field for the beasts, you must also stop feeding the cattle from what is in the house.

R. Papa said: The date (for the second rainfall) is of importance as regards walking through private property, for we read (Baba Ḳamma, 81a): One may walk through private property until the second rainfall. R. Naḥman b. Isaac said: It is of importance with regard to the removal of the fruits of the Sabbatical year, for we read (Shebi'it, 9.7): Until what time are we allowed to use or destroy the straw and stubble of the Sabbatical year? Until the second rainfall, as it is written (Lev., 25.7): "And for thy cattle and for the beasts that are in thy land, shall all the increase thereof be for food." This means to say that as long as the beasts find food in the field, you may feed your domestic animals from what there is in the house, but when there is nothing left in the field for the beasts, you must also stop feeding the cattle from what is in the house.

R. Papa said: The date (for the second rainfall) is of importance as regards walking through private property, for we read (Baba Ḳamma, 81a): One may walk through private property until the second rainfall. R. Naḥman b. Isaac said: It is of importance with regard to the removal of the fruits of the Sabbatical year, for we read (Shebi'it, 9.7): Until what time are we allowed to use or destroy the straw and stubble of the Sabbatical year? Until the second rainfall, as it is written (Lev., 25.7): "And for thy cattle and for the beasts that are in thy land, shall all the increase thereof be for food." This means to say that as long as the beasts find food in the field, you may feed your domestic animals from what there is in the house, but when there is nothing left in the field for the beasts, you must also stop feeding the cattle from what is in the house.

Why is the rainfall called rebi'ah (fructification)? Said R. 'Abahu, because it fructifies the soil. This agrees with R. Judah, who said that the rain is the husband of the soil, as it is said (Isaiah, 55,10): "For as the rain cometh down and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, except it water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud."

R. 'Abahu further said: The first rainfall is satisfactory if there is enough of it to enter the ground to the depth of a handbreadth; the second is satisfactory when the soil is fit to be used for sealing the mouth of a cask. R. Ḥisda said: If there is rainfall enough to make the soil fit to be used for sealing the mouth of a cask, the verse in Deuteronomy (11.17): "He will shut up (the heavens)," etc., has no application. R. Ḥisda further said: If rain fell before the reading of the verse just mentioned in the Shema', the verse in question no longer has application. Said 'Abbayi, this applies to the Shema' read in the evening, but if rain falls before the reading of the Shema' in the morning, the verse in question still has application, for R. Samuel, son of R. Isaac, said (Berakot, 59a): Those morning clouds have no real value, as it is written (Hos., 6.4): "Your goodness is as a morning cloud, and as the dew that early passeth away." Said R. Papa to 'Abbayi: But do not people say: "If there is rain at the opening of the doors (in the morning)—lay down thy bag, O ass-driver, and sleep"? That is no contradiction, for the proverb refers to a case when the rain pours down from a heavy cloud, while R. Samuel refers to a case when the rain comes from a light cloud.

R. 'Abahu further said: The first rainfall is satisfactory if there is enough of it to enter the ground to the depth of a handbreadth; the second is satisfactory when the soil is fit to be used for sealing the mouth of a cask. R. Ḥisda said: If there is rainfall enough to make the soil fit to be used for sealing the mouth of a cask, the verse in Deuteronomy (11.17): "He will shut up (the heavens)," etc., has no application. R. Ḥisda further said: If rain fell before the reading of the verse just mentioned in the Shema', the verse in question no longer has application. Said 'Abbayi, this applies to the Shema' read in the evening, but if rain falls before the reading of the Shema' in the morning, the verse in question still has application, for R. Samuel, son of R. Isaac, said (Berakot, 59a): Those morning clouds have no real value, as it is written (Hos., 6.4): "Your goodness is as a morning cloud, and as the dew that early passeth away." Said R. Papa to 'Abbayi: But do not people say: "If there is rain at the opening of the doors (in the morning)—lay down thy bag, O ass-driver, and sleep"? That is no contradiction, for the proverb refers to a case when the rain pours down from a heavy cloud, while R. Samuel refers to a case when the rain comes from a light cloud.

If the seventeenth of Marḥeshwan has come, and there has been no rainfall, distinguished individuals begin to fast.

ordained thirteen fast days, but the prayers were not answered. He therefore intended to ordain more fasts, but R. 'Ami said to him, has it not been said that it is not proper to trouble the community too much? Said R. 'Abba son of R. Ḥiyya b. 'Abba: R. 'Ami was thinking of his own convenience (because he did not want to fast), for thus said R. Ḥiyya b. 'Abba in the name of R. Johanan, that statement (quoted by R. 'Ami) applies only to fasts ordained on account of lack of rain, but in the case of other calamities the people must continue fasting until their prayer is answered. The same was taught in a Baraita: When it was ordained that the people should fast (twice) three days and again seven days, it had reference to drought, but in case of other kinds of calamities they must continue fasting until their prayers are answered. Should we say that this Baraita is a refutation of R. 'Ami? Answer: R. 'Ami can defend himself by replying that the matter is the subject of dispute between different Tannaim, for a Baraita states: No more than thirteen fasts should be enjoined upon the community, as it is not proper to trouble the community too much; this is the opinion of Rabbi; Rabban Simeon b. Gamaliel says, this is not the reason, but it is because (after the thirteen fasts) the time for rainfall is passed.

Mishnah: 1. The order of these fasts, as given above, applies only to (a drought) during the first season, but if the sprouts show signs of decay, the alarm must be sounded at once. And if there was absence of rain for forty days between the first and second rainfall, the alarm is likewise sounded at once, because this is a calamity of drought.

If there was absence of rain for forty days between the first and second rainfall, the alarm is likewise sounded at once because this is a calamity of drought, etc. What is to be understood by a calamity of drought (מכת בצרת)? Said R. Judah in the name of Rab, a calamity that is the cause of scarcity. Said R. Naḥman, when provision has to be imported from one city to another by water,

R. Eleazar was asked, how long must a rainfall last without our being allowed to pray for its cessation? "Until," he replied, "a man can sit on the Ḳeren 'Ofel and have his foot dabble in the water." Did not another Baraita teach "hand" (instead of feet)? Said 'Abbayi, by saying "foot" the situation is so conceived that the man could also wash his hands while sitting there. Said Rabbah b. Bar Ḥanah: I saw that place, and [while I was standing on it], an Arab riding on a camel and holding a spear in his hand passed beneath me, and he looked to me as small as a flax worm.

Said R. Zeriḳa to R. Safra: Come and see the difference between the imperious men of Palestine and the pious men of Babylonia. The pious men of Babylonia (namely R. Huna and R. Ḥisda), when there was need of rain, would say: "Come let us meet together in prayer; peradventure the Holy One, blessed be He, will accept our prayer and rain will come;" but as to the imperious men of Palestine, there is, for example, R. Jonah, the father of R. Mani, who, when they needed rain, would go into the house and say: "Get me my haversack and I will go and buy grain for a zuz," whereupon he would go to some cave-like, hidden place, cover himself in sackcloth and pray until rain came. When he came back he was asked, "Did you bring anything?" "No," he answered, "I thought that after this rainfall there would be relief everywhere."