Essential Figures in the Talmud by Ronald L. Eisenberg

Author:Ronald L. Eisenberg [Eisenberg, Ronald L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Jason Aronson, Inc.
Published: 2012-08-14T16:00:00+00:00

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Kahana, Babylonian amora (third/fourth century).

A student of Rav, Kahana said: “By the time I was eighteen years old, I had studied the whole Shas [an abbreviation for shishah sedarim, the six orders of the Mishnah, which serve as the basis for the Talmud].” However, years later he admitted, “Yet I did not know that a verse cannot depart from its plain meaning,” implying that a person should study intensely and subsequently understand (Shab. 63a). Describing Kahana’s preparation for prayer, R. Ashi reported: “When there was trouble in the world, [I saw him] remove his cloak, clasp his hands, and pray, saying: ‘[I pray] like a slave before his master.’ When there was peace, he would put it [his cloak] on, cover and enfold himself, and pray: ‘Prepare to meet your God, O Israel’” (Shab. 10a).

Once Kahana “hid under Rav’s bed. He heard him chatting [with his wife] and joking and doing what he required. [Thereupon] he said, ‘The mouth of Rav is like one who has not tasted any food [i.e., he was as ravenous in his desires as a newlywed].’ Rav said: ‘Get out, because it is rude [lit., “it is not the way of the world”].’ Kahana retorted, ‘It is a matter of Torah, and I need to learn’” (Ber. 62a; Hag. 5b).

Rav advised Kahana: “It is better to deal in the bodies of dead animals than engage in idle talk [gossiping or quibbling]. Flay carcasses in the market place and earn wages and never say, ‘I am a priest and a great man and it [such an occupation] is beneath my dignity [i.e., the most important person is not degraded by honest work]” (Pes. 113a). See also Helbo.

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