Rav Zevid

Sixth generation of Amoraim. He was the head of the yeshiva in Pumbedita in Babylonia for eight years, during which time Abaye was the head of the yeshiva in Sura. He transmitted many traditions in the name of Rava.

His Greatness

The behavior of the servants of the Exilarch's household was harsh towards Rav Zevid, and it is recounted as follows: When Rav Dimi traveled to Babylonia, he related a tradition: Regarding salted fish and a roasted egg cooked by a gentile, Hizkiyah and Bar Kappara permitted them, but Rabbi Yohanan prohibited them due to 'bishulei goyim' (food cooked by gentiles). Rabbi Hiyya from a place called Pervaha happened to come to the Exilarch's house. The household members asked him, 'What is the law regarding a roasted egg cooked by a gentile?' He told them, 'Hizkiyah and Bar Kappara permitted them for consumption, while Rabbi Yohanan prohibited them. But the words of Rabbi Yohanan, who is a single authority, do not stand where two dispute him!' Therefore, the egg is permitted for consumption. Rav Zevid, who was also present, said to the household members, 'Do not listen to Rabbi Hiyya regarding this matter! For Abaye said thus: The halakha is according to Rabbi Yohanan, and the egg is forbidden for consumption.' When the Exilarch's household members, who were not good or decent people at all, heard this, because Rav Zevid was stringent with them, they gave him sharp and deadly vinegar to drink and killed him. [ע"ז לח:]

His Discourses

Abba Shaul said in a Baraita: When the festival of Atzeret, meaning Simhat Torah, is clear, pleasant, and the skies are cloudless, it is a good sign for the entire year, and not only for the success of the wheat. Rav Zevid said: The first day of the beginning of the year determines much; if it is a hot day, then the entire year will be hot, and if it is a cold day, then the entire year will be cold. Why is it important to know this? Because of the prayer of the Kohen Gadol (High Priest). That is to say: When the Kohen Gadol enters the Holy of Holies during his service on Yom Kippur, he should direct his heart to pray for pleasant and comfortable weather for the people throughout the year. [ב"ב קמז.]

His Sayings

The Sages taught: A person who needs to relieve himself, meaning to go to the lavatory, should not pray – and if he prays, his prayer is an abomination. Rav Zevid said, or Rav Yehuda said: What we stated, that it is forbidden for him to pray, applies specifically when he cannot restrain himself; but if he can restrain himself, his prayer is valid. How much time is the measure of restraint that permits him to begin his prayer? Rav Sheshet said: If, at the beginning of his prayer, he is able to restrain himself for the walking distance of a 'parsa' [which is a measure of 72 minutes], he is permitted to begin his prayer. [A 'parsa' is approximately 72 minutes or an hour and a fifth.]