Ep 104 - He Slept for 70 Years (Ta'anit 23a)

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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 strangers, prioritizing the hungry child (who studies Torah all day), and his wife’s greater merit (she gives bread directly to the poor; he gives money). Clouds came first from her corner. Lesson: True righteousness is hidden; small acts reflect profound character and merit.
• Choni’s other grandson (Hanan HaNechba) — When rain was needed, schoolchildren grabbed his garment and cried, “Father, give us rain!” He prayed humbly: “They don’t know the difference between the Father who gives rain and one who doesn’t—send rain for these innocent children.” Called “the hidden” because he concealed himself even in private (modesty in restroom). Lesson: Pure, childlike faith and humility draw divine response.

The rabbi emphasizes: Choni’s 70-year sleep teaches planting for future generations (legacy over instant gratification). True greatness is hidden righteousness, self-control, and concern for others. We must live with intention, dignity, and long-term vision—actions today affect descendants tomorrow.

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The Thinking Talmudist Podcast shares select teachings of Talmud in a fresh, insightful and meaningful way. Many claim that they cannot learn Talmud because it is in ancient Aramaic or the concepts are too difficult. Well, no more excuses. In this podcast you will experience the refreshing and eye-opening teachings while gaining an amazing appreciation for the divine wisdom of the Torah and the depths of the Talmud.
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Recorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on February 13, 2026, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on February 22, 2026
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About the Host:
Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: [email protected]
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Listen More
Other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: 

• NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodes
• Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodes
• Jewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodes
• Parsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodes
• Living Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodes
• Thinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodes
• Unboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodes
• Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodes

For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org

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Keywords:
#Talmud, #Taanit, #Choni, #Prayer, #Rain, #Geshem, #Blessing, #CarobTree, #Planting

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