The third perek of Taanis is full of incredible accounts of righteous characters. Some are great scholars and leaders like Choni Hameagal & Nakdimon ben Gurion whose prayers could make the rain fall, some extremely pious... like Nachum Ish Gamzu, others are common blue collar workers such as the righteous prison guard walking around the shuk whom Eliyahu HaNavi confirms has a place in olam haba. Does the Gemara intend to relay historical truths about the individuals which are to be taken on a literal basis - they actually did make rain fall through their prayers... Or, are these folklorish legends which praise the righteousness of these individuals, reminiscent of the contemporary Gadol stories, which are supposed to encourage and motivate us. Or, any other suggestions on how to treat these tales?
Posted on: Sun, 06 Jul 2014 00:35:29 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015