Exempla of the Rabbis, Tale 165

Exempla of the Rabbis, No. 165

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·March 24, 2026

165. An adder bit R. Hanina b. Dosa whilst he was praying and it died, while he remained unhurt.

- 94

Themes

Death Prayer Worship Humor Heresy

Continue Reading

Ben SiraDo Not Say I Will Do as I WishThe wisdom of Ben Sira, a sage writing over two thousand years ago, has some sharp, insightful words for us about these very human tendencies. He cuts right to Ben SiraHe Who Sins Against His Maker Defies the PhysicianIt turns out, that feeling might be older than you think. " Ouch. It's a powerful statement, isn't it? It suggests a connection between our spiritual well-being Ben SiraA Cry From the Brink of Sheol and DeathIt’s one the ancient text of Ben Sira, or Sirach, addresses with raw honesty. Ben Sira, a book from around the 2nd century BCE, isn't part of the Tanakh as defi Book of JudithDeath of BethuliaJudith certainly did. After days of prayer and careful planning, she and her maidservant finally approached the Assyrian camp. Think about the courage it took! Legends of the JewsDeath of KikanosLegends of the Jews turns to Death of Kikanos. The Legends of the Jews recounts their despair, and it’s palpable. Imagine: nine long years spent away from home,Legends of the JewsSaga of TamarThe riddles in this passage sound like games, but each answer turns the ordinary world into a test of perception. "There is something which when living moves no