פירוש על ברכות 11:5

M.: Abbai.

On the Sabbath, expositions of Torah were given in the Synagogues and Houses of Study. The name given to such an assembly is Kallah "the bride," because "court was paid to the Torah, and fresh declarations of love and devotion and loyalty were made to her" (Schechter, Seminary Addresses, p. 54). Wunsche (p. 12 n. 2) considers that the name is connected with the Sabbath, the day on which the gathering was held, the Sabbath being frequently referred to as a bride (cf. Singer, p. Ill bot.). The word has also been connected with σχολη (Page:27), schola, with elision of the first letter. Other suggested explanations are given by Abrahams, p. clix. For a description of the Kallah, see J. E. I. pp. 146 f. Although the hall was not overcrowded, yet the audience would feel crushed. This was due to the evil spirits who wished to make them uncomfortable and induce people to stay away.