Ep 104 - He Slept for 70 Years (Ta'anit 23a)
About this episode
Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores the character and lessons of Choni HaMe’aggel, focusing on themes of humility, long-term thinking, and the impact of small acts of righteousness.
In this Thinking Talmudist episode on Gittin 23a–b, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe continues exploring stories of Choni HaMe’aggel (Choni the Circle-Maker), focusing on his extraordinary character, humility, and the profound lessons of long-term thinking, gratitude, and divine providence. Key narratives and teachings: The carob tree story — Choni sees a man planting a carob tree that takes 70 years to bear fruit. He asks, “Do you expect to live another 70 years?” The man replies: “My ancestors planted for me; I plant for my children.” Choni falls asleep for 70 years (hidden by a rock formation), wakes to see the same scene repeated by the planter’s grandson. His donkey has produced generations of offspring. He returns home; no one believes he is Choni. Distraught (no longer honored in the study hall), he prays to die—and dies. Lesson: “Either companionship or death”—without purpose and recognition, life loses meaning. Abba Hilkiah (Choni’s grandson) — When drought struck, rabbis sent messengers to pray for rain. His unusual behavior (not greeting them, carrying items oddly, wife adorned, etc.) is explained with deep intention: diligence in work, protecting borrowed items, modesty, concern for…
People in this episode
Host: Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe
Topics covered
- Choni HaMe’aggel
- long-term thinking
- gratitude
- divine providence
- righteousness
- Torah study
Keywords
- Choni HaMe’aggel
- carob tree
- long-term thinking
- gratitude
- divine providence
- righteousness
- Torah
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: TORCH
More episodes of Thinking Talmudist Podcast · Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe
- Ep 108 - The Rainmakers: Why Simple Prayers Move Heaven [Taanis 24b]
- Ep 107 - Why God Listens to Simple People [Taanis 24a]
- Ep 106 - She Skipped Pesach Seder to Prove THIS to Hashem – Mind-Blowing! [Megillah 15b]
- Ep 105 - Prayer That Changes Reality: Stories of Rain, Beauty, and Fate [Ta'anit 23b]
- Ep 52 - Spiritual Kinship of Purim and Yom Kippur: Insights into Prayer, Charity, and Community (Bava Basra 8B)
- Ep 103 - Choni Draws a Circle—And Forces Rain from Heaven (Ta'anit 22b)
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