Great is the day of rain

Rabbi Abahu: the day of rain is greater than resurrection, for resurrection is for the righteous, while rain is for righteous and wicked alike. Rav Yosef differs: because rain equals resurrection, it was set in the blessing of resurrection.

1. 1Restate the source in your own words.
2. 2Identify the central distinction and explain its significance.
3. 3Apply the distinction in the exercise without adding a ruling absent from the source.

1. 01·Mishnah / BaraitaTaanit 7a

   אָמַר רַבִּי אֲבָהוּ: גָּדוֹל יוֹם הַגְּשָׁמִים מִתְּחִיַּית הַמֵּתִים

   Rabbi Abahu's statement opening the discussion: The day of rain is greater than resurrection, for it benefits both the righteous and the wicked.

2. 02·KushyaTaanit 7a

   The Gemara notes an objection: Rabbi Abahu contradicts Rav Yosef, who holds that rain is merely equal to resurrection.

3. 03·KushyaTaanit 7a

   Rava raises a contradiction between verses: one verse compares Torah to harsh rain that breaks necks, while another compares it to gentle dew.

4. 04·TerutzTaanit 7a

   Rava resolves: if a scholar is worthy the Torah benefits him gently like dew, but if he is unworthy it strikes him down like rain.

5. 05·RayaTaanit 7a

   Rabbi Bena'ah's baraita provides support: for one who studies Torah for its own sake it is an elixir of life, but not for its own sake it is deadly poison.

6. 06·Conclusion of the sugyaTaanit 7a

   The Gemara concludes that Torah and rain are compared to each other, and their effect for blessing or harm depends on a person's worthiness and conduct.