Commentary for Taanit 26:16

ותסברא אין בין דוקא

Therefore the [Baraitha quoted] should read thus: The only difference between an individual who has undertaken a private fast and an individual who has undertaken a public fast is that the former recites eighteen [benedictions] and the latter nineteen.<span class="x" onmousemove="('comment',' V. supra 12b.');">¹⁵</span> From which one may infer that an individual may insert a special benediction for himself.<span class="x" onmousemove="('comment',' In opposition to R. Isaac.');">¹⁶</span> No; [by 'community' is definitely meant], the Representative of the Community and as to your difficulty, that the Representative recites twenty-four benedictions [and not nineteen]. [this refers] to the fi three fasts when the twenty-four are not [recited]. But is this so? Is it not stated that the only difference between the first three [fasts] and the middle three [fasts] is that work is permissible on the former and forbidden on the latter? Does this not imply that with regard to the recital of the twenty-four [benedictions] both are alike? -The Tanna [of the Baraitha] has stated only one [difference] and has left out [others] - What other differences has he left out besides this one?<span class="x" onmousemove="('comment',' Surely he would not stop short of just one item.');">¹⁷</span> And further, does he not explicitly state: The only difference etc. ? - The Tanna speaks only of differences with regard to things forbidden on the fast days and not [of differences with regard to] prayers. And if you like, I can say that even on the middle three fasts the twenty-four benedictions are also not recited. But is this so? Has it not been taught: 'The only difference between the second three [fasts] and the last seven is that on the latter the alarm is sounded and the shops are closed.' Does this not imply that in all other respects they are alike? And should you reply that here too [the Tanna] stated one difference only and left out [others], I would object on the ground that it explicitly states, 'The only difference'! - Do you assume the expression, 'The only difference etc.'

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