For the source text click/tap here: Bava Batra 10
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In the context of discussing the importance of giving charity, Rabbi Meir raises one of the most basic questions of theology – why doesn’t God, who loves all of His children, and is omnipotent – support the indigent?
Our daf relates that – Tineius Rufus, the Roman governor in Israel after the destruction of the Second Temple – asked Rabbi Akiva this very question.
Turnus Rufus ruled in Judea during the period of the Bar Kokhba rebellion, which he put down with great cruelty. As is told in this story, he carried on philosophical and theological debates with Rabbi Akiva – whose death he ordered as one of the Asara harugei malkhut – the Ten Martyrs.
We explore the dialogue in its cultural and political context.