Turnus Rufus and Akiba dispute about the preeminence of the

Midrash Aggadah Exempla of the Rabbis, No. 15

Curated by The Jewish Mythology Team · Published January 13, 2025

Turnus Rufus and Akiba dispute about the preeminence of the Sabbath. Rufus holds high office, having been appointed by the Emperor. Akiba says that the Sabbath has also been appointed by the King of Kings. Rufus asks “If so why does God work on the Sabbath?” Akiba replies that within certain limits the Jews are permitted to carry burdens on the Sabbath, and the world being God's house He can also do it. The manna is a proof of the Sabbath and also the river Sanbatyon which runs for six days and stops on the Sabbath. Rufus says that he cannot believe either, for those who eat the manna died long ago and the river is not in his country. Akiba replies that the necromancers will prove it, for they cannot raise the dead on the Sabbath. They try it and call up the father of Rufus on a Sunday, because he did not answer the call on the Sabbath. The son asks whether he has become a Jew since his death. He replies that willing or unwilling he must keep it for on the Sabbath they are free from punishment.

Themes

Death Kings Repentance

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