“God set them in the firmament of the heavens to illuminate upon the earth” (Genesis 1:17). “God set them in the firmament of the heavens” – Rabbi Yoḥanan said: Three items were given as a gift [matana] to the world: The Torah, the lights, and the rains. The Torah, from where is it derived? It is as it is stated: “He gave [vayiten] to Moses [the two tablets of Testimony]” (Exodus 31:18).
The lights, from where is it derived? It is as it is stated: “God set [vayiten] them in the firmament of the heavens.” The rains, from where is it derived? It is as it is stated: “I will provide [venatati] your rains in their seasons” (Leviticus 26:4).
Rabbi Azarya says in the name of Rabbi Yehuda ben Rabbi Simon: Peace, as well, as it is stated: “I will grant [venatati] peace in the land” (Leviticus 26:6). Rabbi Yehoshua ben Rabbi Neḥemya said: Salvation, as well, as it is stated: “You have given [vatiten] me the shield of Your salvation” (Psalms 18:36). Rabbi Tanḥuma said: The Land of Israel, as well, as it is stated: “He gave [vayiten] them the lands of the nations…” (Psalms 105:44).
Some say, vengeance against Edom, as well, as it is stated: “I will set [venatati] My vengeance upon Edom…” (Ezekiel 25:14). The Rabbis say: Mercy, as well, as it is stated: “He situated [vayiten] them for mercy before their captors” (Psalms 106:46). Rabbi Yitzḥak bar Maryon says: Setting sail in the Great Sea, as well, as it is stated: “So said the Lord, who makes [noten] a way in the sea…” (Isaiah 43:16).
The Rabbis say: “Who makes a way in the sea” – from Shavuot until Sukkot;16Summertime, when the seas are generally calm. “and a path in mighty waters” (Isaiah 43:16) – from Sukkot until Hanukkah.17Autumn, when the seas consist of “mighty waters.” Rabbi Natan, son of the brother of Rabbi Ḥiyya bar Abba, was setting out to sea. He said to his brother: ‘Pray for me.’ He said to him: ‘What should I pray for you?
From when you bind up your lulav, bind up your feet.18Do not travel after Sukkot. If you enter a synagogue and hear them praying for rain,19A prayer that is recited from Sukkot onwards. do not rely on my prayer.’ Rabbi Yehoshua son of Rabbi Tanḥuma ben Rabbi Ḥiyya of Kefar Ḥanun was in Asia Minor. He wanted to set sail [after Sukkot].
A noblewoman said to him: ‘Are you setting sail on these days?’ She said this in astonishment. His father appeared to him in a dream. He said to him: ‘My son will go without burial, as it is stated: “Moreover, he has no burial”’ (Ecclesiastes 6:3). He heeded neither the words of this one nor the words of that one, and so it befell him.