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Bevai bar Abaye

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Bevai bar Abaye
Born
Other namesBebai ben Abaye, Bebai II, Bevai bar Abin
Occupation(s)Talmudist, Judge
Known forPresiding judge in Pumbedita, Talmudic scholar

Bevai bar Abaye (Imperial Aramaic: ביבי בר אביי) was a Jewish Talmudist who lived in Babylonia, known as an amora of the fourth and fifth amoraic generations (fourth century CE).

Biography

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He was the son of the celebrated Abaye, and presiding judge in Pumbedita,[1] where his father had directed the Talmudic Academy. Some rabbinic chronologists[2] suggest his identity with Bebai II (Bevai bar Abin), which, however, is chronologically incorrect, the latter having been a fellow-pupil of Rav Yosef, whereas Bebai ben Abaye was a contemporary of Nahman ben Isaac, Kahana III,[3] Pappi, and Huna ben Joshua. As Abaye was a scion of the priestly house of Eli, which was doomed to premature death,[4] both Pappi and Huna ben Joshua frequently taunted Bebai with being descended from frail (short-lived) stock, and therefore with uttering frail, untenable arguments.[5]

Bebai bar Abaye seems to have led a contemplative life; and legend relates some curious stories about him.[6]

References

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  1. ^ Yevamot 75b; Ketuvot 85a.
  2. ^ J. Schorr, Va'ad Hakhamim, 24b; Bacher, Ag. Pal. Amor. iii. 667, note 5
  3. ^ Berakhot 6b; Eruvin 90a.
  4. ^ I Samuel 2:33; see Rosh Hashana 18a
  5. ^ Eruvin 25b; compare Dikdukei Soferim a.l.; Bava Metzia 109a; Bava Batra 137b, 151a; compare Jastrow, Dict. 794a, s.v. "Mammulaë".
  6. ^ Hagigah 4b; Berakhot 6a and 8b; Eruvin 8a; Shabbat 3b, 4a; Hullin 43b; Keritot 3b; Zevachim 107a.

 This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domainSinger, Isidore; et al., eds. (1901–1906). "Bebai b. Abaye". The Jewish Encyclopedia. New York: Funk & Wagnalls.