The Grandeur of the Exilarch’s Household

b. Gittin 31b

220–600

Rava and R. Naḥman bar Isaac were sitting, and R. Naḥman bar Jacob passed by, sitting on a golden litter with a leek-colored garment spread over him. Rava followed him, but R. Naḥman bar Isaac did not follow him, saying, “Perhaps they are from the household of the exilarch. Rava has need of them, but I do not need them.”

Translated by Matthew Goldstone.

Published in: The Posen Library of Jewish Culture and Civilization, vol. 2: Emerging Judaism.

Engage with this Source

You may also like

The Power of the Exilarch in Commerce

R. Dimi brought figs from Nehardea on a ship. The exilarch said to Rava, “Go and see. If he is a sage, give him first right of sale in the market.” Rava said to R. Ada bar Abba, “Go appraise his…
View Source

The Judicial Power of the Exilarch

Rav said: One who desires to judge and be exempt if he errs should ask permission from the exilarch. Similarly, Samuel said: He should ask permission from the exilarch. Obviously! From here to here…
View Source

The Exilarch’s Sinning Servants

The exilarch said to R. Sheshet [who was blind], “Why do you not dine with us?” He said to him, “Because [your] servants are suspected of [transgressing the prohibition of eating] a limb from a live…
View Source