A Min and R. Ami disputed about the resurrection of the dead after they are changed into dust. R. Ami replied with., a parable. A king ordered his servants to build a palace where there was neither dust nor water. They did so and after a time it collapsed. He then ordered them to build one where there was both dust and water. They declared that impossible. He then rebuked them and said “If you can do it where there is neither the one nor the other, why not here?” We also find the earth producing the field mouse, which is one day half earth and half flesh and the next day it is entirely flesh, and the stony rocks on the mountains are covered with snails after the rain. How much easier it is to bring back that which has already been once.
50. A Min and Gaboha b. Pesisa disputed about the quickening of the dead. The Min said, “Woe unto you ye living who say that the dead rise again; you are sure to die, but how can those who disappear come again ?” The reply was “Woe unto ye sinners who say that the dead do not rise, for those who have not been before come into existence (are born) and yet you do not believe that those who have been before can come again.” He replied: “You call me a sinner, I will beat you until I get your hump off your back.” Gaboha replied: “Come and do so and I will call you a skilful physician.”