Arabs in the Synagogue
b. Arakhin 6b
Sha’azrek the Tayaya donated a lamp to the synagogue of R. Judah. Raḥaba changed it[s usage from what the donor had intended], and Rava became angry. And some say, Rava changed it and Raḥaba became angry. And some say, the synagogue officers of Pumbedita changed it, and Raḥaba and Rava both became angry. The one who changed it reasoned that it was rare [that Sha’azrek came]; and the one who got angry reasoned that sometimes he does come.
b. Berakhot 6b
R. Huna says: Whoever prays behind a synagogue is called wicked, as it is said: The wicked prowl round about (Psalm 12:9). Abaye says: This only refers [to instances] where he does not turn his face toward the synagogue, but if he turns his face toward the synagogue, then there is no [problem]. A certain man would pray behind the synagogue and not turn his face toward the synagogue. Elijah passed by, and he appeared to him as a Tayaya. He said to him, “This is how you stand before your Master?” He drew a sword and killed him.
Published in: The Posen Library of Jewish Culture and Civilization, vol. 2: Emerging Judaism.
