The differences between the two major rabbinic schools of
the First Century CE, Bet
Hillel and Bet Shammai, erupt on this page. Hillel rulings are generally
more accommodating, while Shammai are more restrictive. This is why Hille
rulings are usually the ones accepted as final.
However, there is some argument that a controversy on this
page may have the two schools reversing their usual roles. This produces such
consternation that the assumption is they are mis-ascribed!
One discussion, however, is about the order of the Havdalah
prayers, when incorporated with the grace after meals. Shammai’s order makes
the whole thing longer. But, they have a reason:
Beth Shammai holds that the entrance
of a [holy] day is different from its exit. At its entrance, the earlier we
can make it, the better. But at its exit, the longer we can defer it the better - so that it should not seem to be a burden on us.
Who doesn’t want to make a holiday last longer! More
Shabbat, anyone?
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