Читать книгу The Essential Agus - Steven T. Katz - Страница 18

When Rav Kahana came up to the land of Israel [from Babylonia, at the beginning of the third century], Rav advised him, “Don’t question the decisions of Rabbi Yohanan for seven years.”

He found Resh Lakish, repeating the daily lesson to the pupils. Rav Kahana inquired, “Where is Resh Lakish?” And they said, “Why do you ask?” He answered—“One may pose ever so many questions [in regard to the lesson] and give so many answers.” Then Resh Lakish came to Rabbi Yohanan and said, “A lion came up out of Babylonia.”

On the following day, Rav Kahana was placed in the first row in front of Rabbi Yohanan. The latter stated one law. Rav Kahana did not question it; then, a second law was proposed; still, Rav Kahana did not question. He was then demoted seven rows, till he came to the last row. Said Rabbi Yohanan to Resh Lakish, “The lion you spoke of turned out to be a fox.”

Said Rav Kahana, “May these seven rows count for the seven years that Rav asked me to abstain.” He stood on his feet and asked Rabbi Yohanan to repeat the lesson from the beginning. When Rabbi Yohanan stated the first law, Rav Kahana confronted him with one question, then another, so that he was returned to the first row.

Rabbi Yohanan was sitting on seven pillows, and he would remove one pillow for every question that he could not answer. In the end, all the pillows were removed and he sat on the ground.⁴⁴

Rabbi Yohanan was deeply grieved [over the death of Resh Lakish]. Said the Sages, “Who will undertake to comfort him?”—Let Rabbi Elazar Ben Padat go, for his lessons are very keen. He came and sat before Rabbi Yohanan. Whatever Rabbi Yohanan would say, Rabbi Elazar would support with additional evidence.

Then Rabbi Yohanan cried out, “Are you like Resh Lakish?” Whenever I would state a law, he would put to me twenty-four objections, then from the questions and answers, the matter would be clarified. But you only say—“let me show you how right you are.” “Do I need you to tell me I am right?”

He then stood up and tore his clothes, crying, “Where are you Resh Lakish? Where are you Resh Lakish?” ⁴⁵