Berakhot 46
“May it be Your will that the master of the house shall not suffer shame in this world, nor humiliation in the World-to-Come.”
I am starting to become acquainted with the individual personalities of some of the Rabbis. Rabbi Akiva is practical, ethical, humane and always suggests an interpretation that is measured. Rabbi Gamliel is a traditionalist and has very high standards for observance (but humble enough to recover with dignity after he lost his position in the Academy due to his rigid approach). Rabbi Yohanan is entirely dedicated to religious study and a purist in his interpretation. Rav Pappa has strong opinions on the role that bread plays in a meal and has a track record of making the wrong call. Rabbi Elaza is a brilliant young upstart who seems to have it all. Rabbi HaNasi takes a wide-ranging view of things that comes from his deep wisdom. Today we are introduced to Rabbi Zeira who was so confident in his faith that he tested himself by entering a fiery furnace and as a result earned the nickname “The little man with scorched legs.”
The theme of respecting the dignity of others as told in the story a few days ago of Tamar is carried over in the blessing after a meal said by a guest: “May it be Your will that the master of the house shall not suffer shame in this world, nor humiliation in the World-to-Come.” Rabbi HaNasi added additional elements to the blessing, but the emphasis on respecting one’s name in the world and avoiding humiliation has been pervasive throughout the readings. The discussion about who says the blessing before and after the meal – the host, the guest, the one who breaks the bread – is a lesson in respect. Rabbi Zeira and Rabbi Abahu are both learned, but they show respect for each other by their willingness to defer to the other. If only our present-day politicians were so willing to show such deference for each other, we might actually get more done in Congress.
Does everyone have a favorite Rabbi? I am partial from the readings to Rabbi Akiva who is thought to have died a martyr at the hands of the Romans in 135 CE. He was a poor shepherd who married well and did not find his calling until later in life. He became a Rabbi in his 40s, and a role model for those of us who were late bloomers. His life story teaches us that it is never too late to reinvent your life.
Here is background information on Rabbi Akiva: https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/rabbi-akiba/