GIDDAL

GIDDAL (end of third century c.e.), Babylonian amora. He was one of the best-known younger pupils of *Rav. Most of Giddal's sayings in the Talmud are in the name of this teacher, often via Ḥiyya b. Joseph, but a few in the name of Ḥiyya b. Joseph himself. Once Giddal defended himself by swearing on the Holy Scripture and Prophets that his saying was that of Rav (Er. 17a). After Rav's death he studied in the academy of *Huna in Sura, and there came into contact with *Zeira (Ber. 49a). He appears to have had heated debates with Huna ("Giddal became impotent through the discourses of Huna": Yev. 64b). However, he was also ruled by the decisions of Judah b. Ezekiel of Pumbedita (Av. Zar. 11b). Later in life he went to Palestine (Kid. 59a). He interpreted Song of Songs 5:13 in an allegorical way, to teach that one should not study lightheartedly. "Any scholar who sits before his teacher and his lips do not drip bitterness shall be burnt" (Shab. 30b). He interpreted Psalms 39:7 to the effect that anyone who quotes a saying should imagine himself as standing in the presence of the one who originally said it (tj, Shab. 1:2, 3a et al.). A man who writes a Torah Scroll was regarded by Giddal as if he had received it at Mount Sinai (Men. 30a). His keen sense of justice is revealed in the story about a field which he intended to buy but was anticipated by another buyer. When Isaac Nappaḥa (the Palestinian) ruled that the owner of the field should sell it to Giddal, he declined even to accept it as a gift (Kid. 59a). This explains his sharp critique of people who dealt unjustly (although he gives it in the name of Rav): "If an inhabitant of Naresh has kissed you, then count your teeth. If a man of Nehar Pekod accompanies you, it is because of the fine garments he sees on you. If a Pumbeditan accompanies you, then change your quarters" (Ḥul. 127a). Giddal was accustomed to sit at the gates of the ritual bath and to instruct the women about the rules of immersion. When asked whether he was not afraid lest his passion get the better of him, he replied that to him the women looked like so many white geese (Ber. 20a).

bibliography:

Bacher, Pal Amor; Hyman, Toledot, s.v.