Tanhuma bar Abba
Encyclopedia
Tanhuma bar Abba was a Palestinian amora of the 5th generation, one of the foremost haggadists of his time. He was a pupil of Ḥuna bar Abin (Num. R. iii.; Gen. R. xli.), from whom he transmits halakic (Yer. Ḥal. 57d; Shab. 10c) as well as haggadic sayings (Yer. Pe'ah
15b; Shab. 11d; Ab. Zarah 43a). He received instruction also from Judah ben Shalom (Midr. Teh. to Ps.
cxix. 2) and R. Phinehas (Yer. Sheḳ. 49d). According to W. Bacher, he resided in Nave
, a town in Peræa (comp. A. Neubauer, G. T. p. 23).
ruler no doubt being meant—said to Tanḥuma, "Let us all become one people." To this the latter replied, "Yes; but since we are circumcised we cannot become like you; whereas you, by having yourself circumcised, may become like us." The emperor thereupon said, "You have answered me correctly; but he who worsts the king must be thrown to wild beasts." This was done, but the animals did Tanḥuma no harm. An unbeliever who stood by remarked that perhaps they were not hungry, whereupon he himself was thrown after Tanḥuma and was instantly torn to pieces (Sanh. 39a).
With regard to Tanḥuma's public activity, the only fact known is that he ordered a fast on account of a drought. Two fasts were held, but no rain came, whereupon Tanḥuma ordered a third fast, saying in his sermon: "My children, be charitable unto each other, and God will be merciful unto you." On this occasion one man gave money to his divorced wife, who was in need; Tanḥuma thereupon lifted his face toward the heavens and prayed: "Lord of the Universe, this hard-hearted man took pity on his wife when he saw that she was in need, and helped her, although not obliged to do so; how much more shouldest Thou, the Gracious and Merciful, be filled with pity when Thou seest Thy beloved children, the sons of Abraham
, Isaac
, and Jacob
, in need." As soon as he had ceased praying, rain came, and the world was relieved of its distress (Gen. R. xxxiii.; Lev. R. xxxiv.).
(Yer. Er.
26c; Pes. 37b, d; Yoma
44d; Sheḳ. 47c; Ta'an. 67a), while the Babylonian Talmud mentions an objection raised by him against a halakic thesis advanced by the Judean schools (Ḥul. 55b). As a haggadist, on the other hand, he is frequently mentioned, and the numerous haggadic sentences of his which are still preserved touch every province of the Haggadah. He often points out the Scriptural bases for the sayings of older authors, always using the characteristic formula of introduction: "I give the reason"; that is, "I cite the Biblical authority" (Yer. Ber.
12c; Gen. R. iv. 3; Lev. R. xxi.). He also explains and annotates older sayings (Gen. R. xxiv.), adjusts differing traditions (Lev. R. xxiv. 5), and varies the text of old haggadic sentences (Gen. R. xliii. 3). His own haggadic teachings differ but little from those of his contemporaries, although some of his interpretations approach the simple exegetic method. An example of this is furnished by his interpretation of Eccl. iii. 11, where he explains the word "ha-kol" as meaning "the universe" (Gen. R. ix. 2).
Tanḥuma often made use of symbolism to illustrate his thought. Some of his haggadic utterances may be quoted: "Just as the spice-box contains all kinds of fragrant spices, so must the wise youth be filled with all kinds of Biblical, mishnaic, halakic, and haggadic knowledge" (Cant. R. v. 13). On Isa. xlv. 3 Tanḥuma said: "Nebuchadnezzar grudged his son and successor Evil-merodach his treasures, wherefore he filled iron ships with gold and sunk them in the Euphrates. When Cyrus
conquered Babylonia
and decided to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem
, he diverted the river into another channel, and 'the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places' were given to him" (Esth. R. iii. 1).
, scholars; and he himself tells of one which took place in Antioch
(Gen. R. xix. 4). He was asked concerning Gen. iii. 5, where the word "Ke-Elohim [yode'e ṭob wa-ra']" seems to point to a plurality of gods. Tanḥuma replied that such a construction was refuted by the immediately preceding words, "yodea' [singular] Elohim." His frequent intercourse with non-Jews led him to formulate the following rule: "When a non-Jew greets you with a blessing, answer him with an 'Amen'" (Yer. Ber.
12c; Suk. 54a). The Pesiḳta Rabbati
contains about eighty proems said to have originated with Tanḥuma, and beginning with the phrase "Thus said R. Tanḥuma." A great number of proems bearing his name are found also in the Midrash Tanḥuma. In addition to these proems several lengthy sections of the Pesiḳta Rabbati as well as of the Midrash Tanḥuma are followed by the note "Thus explained [or "preached"] R. Tanḥuma."
Pe'ah
Pe'ah is the second tractate of Seder Zeraim of the Mishnah and of the Talmud. The tractate is a fitting continuation of Seder Zeraim. Following the initial subject of blessings and benedictions, instilling an attitude of reverence and gratitude, this tractate begins the discussion of the main...
15b; Shab. 11d; Ab. Zarah 43a). He received instruction also from Judah ben Shalom (Midr. Teh. to Ps.
Psalms
The Book of Psalms , commonly referred to simply as Psalms, is a book of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Bible...
cxix. 2) and R. Phinehas (Yer. Sheḳ. 49d). According to W. Bacher, he resided in Nave
Nave
In Romanesque and Gothic Christian abbey, cathedral basilica and church architecture, the nave is the central approach to the high altar, the main body of the church. "Nave" was probably suggested by the keel shape of its vaulting...
, a town in Peræa (comp. A. Neubauer, G. T. p. 23).
Retort to the Emperor
Of Tanḥuma's life the Babylonian Talmud relates the following incident, probably based on an actual occurrence. The emperor—a ChristianChristian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
ruler no doubt being meant—said to Tanḥuma, "Let us all become one people." To this the latter replied, "Yes; but since we are circumcised we cannot become like you; whereas you, by having yourself circumcised, may become like us." The emperor thereupon said, "You have answered me correctly; but he who worsts the king must be thrown to wild beasts." This was done, but the animals did Tanḥuma no harm. An unbeliever who stood by remarked that perhaps they were not hungry, whereupon he himself was thrown after Tanḥuma and was instantly torn to pieces (Sanh. 39a).
With regard to Tanḥuma's public activity, the only fact known is that he ordered a fast on account of a drought. Two fasts were held, but no rain came, whereupon Tanḥuma ordered a third fast, saying in his sermon: "My children, be charitable unto each other, and God will be merciful unto you." On this occasion one man gave money to his divorced wife, who was in need; Tanḥuma thereupon lifted his face toward the heavens and prayed: "Lord of the Universe, this hard-hearted man took pity on his wife when he saw that she was in need, and helped her, although not obliged to do so; how much more shouldest Thou, the Gracious and Merciful, be filled with pity when Thou seest Thy beloved children, the sons of Abraham
Abraham
Abraham , whose birth name was Abram, is the eponym of the Abrahamic religions, among which are Judaism, Christianity and Islam...
, Isaac
Isaac
Isaac as described in the Hebrew Bible, was the only son Abraham had with his wife Sarah, and was the father of Jacob and Esau. Isaac was one of the three patriarchs of the Israelites...
, and Jacob
Jacob
Jacob "heel" or "leg-puller"), also later known as Israel , as described in the Hebrew Bible, the Talmud, the New Testament and the Qur'an was the third patriarch of the Hebrew people with whom God made a covenant, and ancestor of the tribes of Israel, which were named after his descendants.In the...
, in need." As soon as he had ceased praying, rain came, and the world was relieved of its distress (Gen. R. xxxiii.; Lev. R. xxxiv.).
His Haggadot
Tanḥuma is not often mentioned as a halakist: a few remarks on and explanations of halakic teachings are ascribed to him in the Jerusalem TalmudJerusalem Talmud
The Jerusalem Talmud, talmud meaning "instruction", "learning", , is a collection of Rabbinic notes on the 2nd-century Mishnah which was compiled in the Land of Israel during the 4th-5th century. The voluminous text is also known as the Palestinian Talmud or Talmud de-Eretz Yisrael...
(Yer. Er.
Moed
Moed is the second Order of the Mishnah, the first written recording of the Oral Torah of the Jewish people . Of the six orders of the Mishna, Moed is the third shortest. The order of Moed consists of 12 tractates:# Shabbat: or Shabbath deals with the 39 prohibitions of "work" on the Shabbat...
26c; Pes. 37b, d; Yoma
Yoma
Yoma is the fifth tractate of Seder Moed of the Mishnah and of the Talmud. It is concerned mainly with the laws of the Jewish holiday Yom Kippur, on which Jews atone for their sins from the previous year...
44d; Sheḳ. 47c; Ta'an. 67a), while the Babylonian Talmud mentions an objection raised by him against a halakic thesis advanced by the Judean schools (Ḥul. 55b). As a haggadist, on the other hand, he is frequently mentioned, and the numerous haggadic sentences of his which are still preserved touch every province of the Haggadah. He often points out the Scriptural bases for the sayings of older authors, always using the characteristic formula of introduction: "I give the reason"; that is, "I cite the Biblical authority" (Yer. Ber.
Berakhot (Talmud)
Berachot is the first tractate of Seder Zeraim, a collection of the Mishnah that primarily deals with laws relating to plants and farming...
12c; Gen. R. iv. 3; Lev. R. xxi.). He also explains and annotates older sayings (Gen. R. xxiv.), adjusts differing traditions (Lev. R. xxiv. 5), and varies the text of old haggadic sentences (Gen. R. xliii. 3). His own haggadic teachings differ but little from those of his contemporaries, although some of his interpretations approach the simple exegetic method. An example of this is furnished by his interpretation of Eccl. iii. 11, where he explains the word "ha-kol" as meaning "the universe" (Gen. R. ix. 2).
Tanḥuma often made use of symbolism to illustrate his thought. Some of his haggadic utterances may be quoted: "Just as the spice-box contains all kinds of fragrant spices, so must the wise youth be filled with all kinds of Biblical, mishnaic, halakic, and haggadic knowledge" (Cant. R. v. 13). On Isa. xlv. 3 Tanḥuma said: "Nebuchadnezzar grudged his son and successor Evil-merodach his treasures, wherefore he filled iron ships with gold and sunk them in the Euphrates. When Cyrus
Cyrus the Great
Cyrus II of Persia , commonly known as Cyrus the Great, also known as Cyrus the Elder, was the founder of the Achaemenid Empire. Under his rule, the empire embraced all the previous civilized states of the ancient Near East, expanded vastly and eventually conquered most of Southwest Asia and much...
conquered Babylonia
Babylonia
Babylonia was an ancient cultural region in central-southern Mesopotamia , with Babylon as its capital. Babylonia emerged as a major power when Hammurabi Babylonia was an ancient cultural region in central-southern Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq), with Babylon as its capital. Babylonia emerged as...
and decided to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem
Temple in Jerusalem
The Temple in Jerusalem or Holy Temple , refers to one of a series of structures which were historically located on the Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem, the current site of the Dome of the Rock. Historically, these successive temples stood at this location and functioned as the centre of...
, he diverted the river into another channel, and 'the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places' were given to him" (Esth. R. iii. 1).
Polemics
Tanḥuma often held religious disputations with non-Jewish, especially ChristianChristian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
, scholars; and he himself tells of one which took place in Antioch
Antioch
Antioch on the Orontes was an ancient city on the eastern side of the Orontes River. It is near the modern city of Antakya, Turkey.Founded near the end of the 4th century BC by Seleucus I Nicator, one of Alexander the Great's generals, Antioch eventually rivaled Alexandria as the chief city of the...
(Gen. R. xix. 4). He was asked concerning Gen. iii. 5, where the word "Ke-Elohim [yode'e ṭob wa-ra']" seems to point to a plurality of gods. Tanḥuma replied that such a construction was refuted by the immediately preceding words, "yodea' [singular] Elohim." His frequent intercourse with non-Jews led him to formulate the following rule: "When a non-Jew greets you with a blessing, answer him with an 'Amen'" (Yer. Ber.
Berakhot (Talmud)
Berachot is the first tractate of Seder Zeraim, a collection of the Mishnah that primarily deals with laws relating to plants and farming...
12c; Suk. 54a). The Pesiḳta Rabbati
Pesikta Rabbati
Pesikta Rabbati or P'sqita Rabbita is a collection of Aggadic Midrash on the Pentateuchal and prophetic lessons, the special Sabbaths, etc. It was composed around 845 CE and probably called "rabbati" to distinguish it from the earlier Pesiḳta.In common with the latter it has five entire...
contains about eighty proems said to have originated with Tanḥuma, and beginning with the phrase "Thus said R. Tanḥuma." A great number of proems bearing his name are found also in the Midrash Tanḥuma. In addition to these proems several lengthy sections of the Pesiḳta Rabbati as well as of the Midrash Tanḥuma are followed by the note "Thus explained [or "preached"] R. Tanḥuma."
Jewish Encyclopedia bibliography
- Weiss, Dor, iii. 142-144;
- Z. Frankel, Mebo, p. 131a, b;
- S. Buber, Einleitung zum Midrash Tanḥuma, pp. 3a, 4a;
- W. Bacher, Ag. Pal. Amor. iii. 465-514.
External links
- Jewish Encyclopedia article for Tanchuma bar Abba, by Wilhelm BacherWilhelm BacherWilhelm Bacher was a Jewish Hungarian scholar, rabbi, Orientalist and linguist, born in Liptó-Szent-Miklós, Hungary to the Hebrew writer Simon Bacher. Wilhelm was himself an incredibly prolific writer, authoring or co-authoring approximately 750 works in an unfortunately short life...
and Jacob Zallel LauterbachJacob Zallel LauterbachJacob Zallel Lauterbach was an American Judaica scholar and author who served on the faculty of Hebrew Union College and composed responsa for the Reform movement in America. He specialized in Midrashic and Talmudical literature, and is best known for his landmark critical edition and English...
.