Study Bava Batra folio 25B with parallel Hebrew-English text, traditional commentary, and modern study tools. Free access to Babylonian Talmud online.
is similar to a partially enclosed veranda [le’akhsadra], enclosed on 3 sides, and the northern side of the world is not enclosed with a partition like the other directions. The sun begins its revolution in the east and passes to the south and the west, and once the sun reaches the northwestern cor
As it is stated: “The sun also rises and the sun goes down, and hastens to its place, where it rises again. It goes toward the south, and turns about to the north; round and round goes the wind, and on its circuits the wind returns” (Ecclesiastes 1:5–6). The verse is understood as describing the s
The baraita continues: He would say. Before continuing its citation, the Talmud interjects: In this statement, we arrive at the opinion of R' Eliezer that the world is like a partially enclosed veranda. The Talmud resumes its citation of the baraita: There is proof from a verse that the north side
The Talmud asks: But doesn’t the Master say that the southern wind raises showers and causes herbs to grow? The Talmud answers that this is not difficult: This is referring to rain that falls gently, which waters plants and brings growth; that is referring to a downpour of rain that causes damage.
Rav Ḥisda said: What is the meaning of that which is written: “Out of the north comes gold” (Job 37:22)? This is the northern wind, which devalues gold by causing a drought that raises the price of grain. And, in addition, it says: “You who lavish gold out of the bag” (Isaiah 46:6).