Daf Yomi - Taanis 2 - Highlights

TIME TO MENTION RAIN
The Mishna begins by asking when is the time in the year that we begin to mention the Powers of Rain. [This is referring to the “morid hageshem” that we recite in the second brocha of Shemoneh Esrei.] Rabbi Eliezer maintains that we begin on the first day of Sukkos and Rabbi Yehoshua holds that we begin on the last day of Sukkos. Rabbi Yehoshua asked Rabbi Eliezer that it is not proper to mention rain during Sukkos when rain is regarded as a curse (since there is no obligation to sit in a sukkah during the rain). Rabbi Eliezer responded that this is why rain is only mentioned on Sukkos but we do not ask for rain.

Rabbi Yehuda rules that we begin mentioning the Powers of Rain on Shmini Atzeres (the last day of Sukkos). The chazzan for Shacharis does not mention it but the chazzan for Mussaf does. We cease to mention the Powers of Rain on the first day of Pesach. The chazzan for Shacharis does mention it but the chazzan for Mussaf does not. (2a)

POWER OF RAIN
The Gemora elaborates on why this addition that we mention is referred to as the Powers of Rain. The Gemora cites verses that compare the Creation of the World and rain. Just like the Creation indicates Hashem’s power, so too power is associated with rain. [The Gemora states that rain descends by Hashem’s power. The Perisha (114) writes that the second brocha of Shemoneh Esrei begins with the word ‘gibor,’ strength, so too it was instituted to mention rain in this brocha with a language of strength and power.] (2a)

HASHEM’S KEYS
Rabbi Yochanan states that there are three keys that Hashem does not delegate to the hands of an agent. They are the key to rain, the key for childbirth and the key for reviving the dead. The Gemora cites Scriptural sources which indicate that these three matters are not entrusted to a messenger but rather are administered by Hashem Himself. In Eretz Yisroel they added that Hashem does not give over the key for sustenance either. Rabbi Yochanan did not incorporate this in his listing because it is included in the key for rain since rain provides basic sustenance. (2a – 2b)

WHEN TO BEGIN –
BY NIGHT OR BY DAY?
Rabbi Eliezer maintains that we begin mentioning rain on the first day of Sukkos. The Gemora inquires if we begin on the first night of Sukkos or during the daytime on the first day. This depends on where Rabbi Eliezer learned that the time to begin mentioning rain is the first day of Sukkos. If he derived it from the mitzva of lulav (which begins on the first day of Sukkos), we can say that just like the mitzva of lulav begins by day, so too the mentioning of rain begins by day. Perhaps he learns from the water-libation service (which begins on the first day of Sukkos), and just like that can be performed even at night, so too the mentioning of rain begins at night. Rav Avahu cites a braisa which explicitly states that Rabbi Eliezer derived the designated time for mentioning rain from the mitzva of lulav. This would indicate that we begin mentioning rain during the daytime and not at night.(2b)

WHICH DAY SHOULD WE BEGIN?
The Gemora cites a braisa which discusses several different opinions regarding the correct date to begin mentioning rain. Rabbi Eliezer states that we begin on the first day of Sukkos and this is derived from the mitzva of taking the lulav. Rabbi Yehoshua maintains that we begin mentioning rain on Shmini Atzeres, the day after we put down the lulav. Rabbi Eliezer explained his opinion by saying that just like the lulav and the other species are taken in order to beseech from Hashem to issue a positive judgment regarding water and just like these four species cannot grow without water, so too the entire world cannot survive without water. This would indicate that we should begin to mention rain on the first day of Sukkos corresponding to the day in which we begin to take the lulav.

Rabbi Yehoshua asked Rabbi Eliezer that it is not proper to mention rain during Sukkos when rain is regarded as a curse (since there is no obligation to sit in a sukkah during the rain). Rabbi Eliezer responded that this is why rain is only mentioned on Sukkos but we do not ask for rain. Rabbi Eliezer proves that it is fitting to mention rain even prior to its appropriate season from the fact that we constantly mention the Resurrection of the Dead even though it will only happen in its proper time. Rabbi Yehoshua countered that the Resurrection of the Dead can be mentioned all year since every day can potentially be its suitable time.

Rabbi Yehuda ben Beseira maintains that we begin mentioning rain on the second day of Sukkos. Rabbi Akiva rules that we begin on the sixth day of Sukkos. Rabbi Yehuda said in the name of Rabbi Yehoshua that we begin mentioning the Powers of Rain on Shmini Atzeres (the last day of Sukkos). (2b)