Talmud Bavli, Makkot

2 texts in Midrash Aggadah

The 613 Commandments Reduced to One Principle

Makkot 24a

Rabbi Simlai made one of the most ambitious claims in the entire Talmud. He said: 613 commandments were given to Moses at Sinai—365 prohibitions corresponding to the days of the so...

Temple destructionHopeProphecyFoxes

Why Rabbi Akiva Laughed at the Foxes on the Temple Mount

Makkot 24b

Four rabbis were walking away from the ruins of Jerusalem. When they reached Mount Scopus and saw the destroyed Temple, they tore their garments. When they arrived at the Temple Mo...

Temple destructionHopeProphecyFoxes