Dispute between R. Eliezer and R. Joshua about levi- tical purity. Appealed to in turn, the Harub tree [uprooted itself], the water turned back, the walls of the Midrash (rabbinic interpretive commentary) [bent], and all in support of R. Eliezer; even a voice from heaven decided in his favour. The sages, however decided, against him and thus practically excommunicated him. R. Akiba communicated the decision to him. There was great dearth in the land. R. Gamliel (his brother-in-law) was moreover exposed to great danger at sea. The sages acted thus in order to avert factions.