For the source text click/tap here: Beitzah 15
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We are told a fascinating story about Rabbi Eliezer the Great, who watched groups of students leave as he lectured on the halachot of Festivals. As each group left, he became more angry and called to the departing group that they must have a pittas, a barrel, a jug, a jar, a cup waiting for them - they must be hungry and are compelled to leave. When the sixth group left, he told them that only a curse was waiting for them as they did not value learning Torah over the call of sustenance. Finally, the remaining students were afraid of Rabbi Eliezer. He reassured them, giving them a blessing (including giving food to the poor) going forward to enjoy their meals.
The Gemara questions why Rabbi Eliezer was critical of the students who left if they were leaving to provide for their physical needs which is a mitzvah of being joyous on Yom Tov. The Gemara answers that Rabbi Eliezer maintains that rejoicing on Yom Tov is merely optional.
This story is difficult to understand and many points require clarification.