Benjamin ben Japheth

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BENJAMIN BEN JAPHETH

BENJAMIN BEN JAPHETH (fl. third century), Palestinian amora. Benjamin studied under R. Johanan and transmitted legal rulings in his name (Ber. 33a, et al.). R. Zeira praised him for a report he transmitted in the name of Johanan (Shab. 53a). However, he would not rely upon him when he contradicted the tradition of Ḥiyya b. Abba in whom Zeira placed greater trust (Ber. 38b). Benjamin also transmitted many sayings in the name of R. Eleazar b. Pedat, noteworthy among them his comment on the fact that Jacob bowed to his son Joseph (Gen. 47:31), viz., "Bow to the fox in his season" (i.e., if you behold fortune favoring the fox, bow down to him, meaning that one should submit to an inferior person when he is in a position to convey a favor; Meg. 16b).

bibliography:

Hyman, Toledot, 282f.

[Yitzhak Dov Gilat]

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