פירוש על ברכות 28:14

It is customary to conclude the Shema', not with the word "God," but with "true" borrowed from the next paragraph. Has the word "true" to be repeated when continuing the prayer ?

M.: "Raba," and so to the end of the paragraph.

"To descend" (or "to pass" so. before the Ark) means to act as Precentor. On "descending," see p. 65 n. 5.

I.e. they say the opening and closing words of the third paragraph of the Shema', leaving out all in between, because it refers to the law of "Fringes" which does not apply at night.

Since nothing has been mentioned about the "Fringes" — the theme of the paragraph — one cannot be regarded as having commenced it.

M. : Behold Rab Samuel b. Rab Isaac has declared.

In Babylon.

I.e. the benediction commencing "True and trustworthy"; Singer, p. 93. This benediction contains a reference to the Exodus.

Even in his night-prayers; see above fol. 12b, p. 80.

Continuing "Who is like unto Thee, O Lord?" Singer, p. 99.

Some edd. read "learning" in error.

Why is all this argument necessary, since R. Joshua b. Karhah gives a reason in the Mishnah ?

To read the Shema' before putting on the Tefillin. From the following discussion it will be seen that this was not Rab's regular practice, but he did so on one occasion.

Edd. add בקבר "in a grave," which is probably a gloss. M. reads בקיר "in a wall" i.e. of a cave or vault, where graves were often excavated. See J.E. III. p. 437, T.A. II. pp. 72 ff.

On the principle "One who is occupied with a religions duty is exempt from a religious duty." Cf. the discussion on fol. 11a, p. 68.

Engaged in digging; in which case one continues the work, while the other offers his prayers.

This Rabbi's statement in the Mishnah is interpreted to mean that first the Shema' must be read and then the Tefillin laid.

M. adds : "to study the Chapters of the Sifra debe Rab" as on fol. 11b, p. 71.

Prior to studying Torah.

Rab Hiyya b. Ashe's statement has no bearing on the question under discussion. It was quoted to prove that Rab uttered a benediction before lecturing on Mishnah. In fact, this Rabbi's statement quoted in fol. 11 b, does not mention "laid Tefillin and after that read the Shema'."

He delayed in bringing the Tefillin for which he had been sent. Rab, fearing that the correct time for reading the Shema' would pass before he arrived, on that occasion read it and afterwards laid the Tefillin.

An euphemism for "against God." He declares the Unity of God (by reading the Shema') without adducing the evidence as proclaimed by the Tefillin. Rev. A. Newman writes : "Against himself" may be taken literally. The Shema' which he is reading enjoins the wearing of Tefillin ; therefore the recital without the phylacteries involves an inconsistency. His acts belie bis words.

M. : Rabbah b. Bar Hannah said in the name of R. Johanan.