Bava Batra 91 - September 24, 21 Elul
One cannot profit from selling basic food items in Israel. If so, how did Rabbi Elazar ben Azaria profit from wine and oil in Israel? A braita ruled that one cannot profit from eggs twice. The Gemara brings two explanations for what this ruling means. Under what circumstances of financial challenges is one permitted to leave Israel? Is it forbidden to leave Israel, even if prices are expensive for basic food items if one can afford the high prices? This is proven from the book of Ruth as Elimelech and his sons were punished for this. The Gemara tangents to various drashot on verses from the beginning of the book of Ruth as well as drashot on the connection between Boaz and Ivtzan - one of the judges mentioned in the book of Shoftim/Judges. After quoting a statement of Rav Chanan son of Rava regarding Elimelech, four other statements of his are quoted. An alternative explanation of the sins of Elimelech and his family is that they should have stayed to help pray for everyone. Four statements of Rabbi Yochanan that all start with the word ‘nehirna,’ ‘I remember when’ are quoted. The sons of Elimelech, Machlon and Khilion were also mentioned in the Tanach by different names – Yoash and Saraph. Which was the real name and which was meant for extrapolation?