The death of Rav Chisda

Hi,

"Rav Chisda was studying in yeshiva; the agent of death could not draw near, for his mouth never quieted from Torah study. The agent sat in a trree by the yeshiva building, the tree split, and Rav Chisda fell silent. So the agent defeated him."

(Talmud, Makkot 10a)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

If you can do something good, why not do it?

Hi,

"How does one recite [the wayfarer's prayer]? Rav Chisda said: While standing [to improve one's concentration]. Rav Sheshet said: Even while travelling.

"Rav Chisda and Rav Sheshet were travelling, and Rav Chisda halted to pray. Rav Sheshet [who was blind] said to his servant, "What is Rav Chisda doing?" He said, "He has halted, and he is praying." Rav Sheshet said, "Halt me, too, and I will pray; given the chance to be good, do not be called bad.""

(Talmud, Berachot 30a)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

The importance of studying medicine

Hi,

"Rav Huna said to his son Rabbah: Why are you not [learning] before Rav Chisda, whose lessons are sharp?

"Rabbah replied: Why should I go to him? He questions me about mundane matters! He tells me, "One who goes to the washroom should not sit immediately or press too hard…"

"Rav Huna replied: He is involved in the lives of people, and you say, "mundane matters"? You certainly should go to him!"

(Talmud, Shabbat 82a)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

One Mentor or Many Mentors? (Part III)

Hi,

The concluding passage in this series:

"Rav Chisda told the Sages: I wish to tell you something, but I worry that you will then abandon me! One who learns Torah from a single mentor will never see a sign of blessing.

"They abandoned him and went to learn before Rava.

"Rav Chisda then told them: This is only for logic, but for gemara [absorption of core text] it is better to learn from one mentor, so that he will not have conflicting texts."

(Talmud, Avodah Zarah 19a-b)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

The protective power of Torah study

Hello,

In preparation for Shavuot, when we celebrate (among other things) receiving the Torah, we'll look at the value of Torah study:

"Rav Chisda was sitting and studying in Yeshiva, and the messenger of death was unable to get close to him because his mouth never fell silent from learning.

"The messenger settled in the wood of the room, causing it to split. Rav Chisda fell silent, and so it was able to take him."

(Talmud, Makkot 10a)

Have a good day,
Mordechai