Abbayé

(c.280-338 CE). Babylonian amora of the fourth generation; together with Rava, the most prominent of his time. Having lost both of his parents in infancy, Abbayé was raised by an uncle, Rabbah Bar Naḥmani, who put a devoted nurse in charge of his ward. Abbayé often quotes her folk wisdom and home remedies. His teachers were Rabbah and R. Joseph Bar ḥiyya. The former was head of the Academy in Pumbedita, a position to which Abbayé eventually succeeded; from R. Joseph, noted for his broad familiarity with the traditions of the tannaim and amoraim, he received his knowledge of the sources. Abbayé laid greater stress on such knowledge than he did on mere casuistical skill, in which his colleague Rava excelled. From the Neḥuté ravina and Rav Dimi he received the teachings of the amoraim of Erets Israel, particularly those of Johanan Ben Nappaḥa. Abbayé's halakhic controversies with Rava are to be found throughout the Talmud. Abbayé was known for his sterling moral character and mild disposition, of which many examples are related. When the halakhah was in doubt, he used to say: "Go out and see how people act in such situations" (Ber. 45a, etc.). Frequently, Abbayé quotes the popular proverbs current in his time, an indication that he was no sheltered recluse who lived in an ivory tower.

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