Rav Safra (Hebrew: רב ספרא; around 280-338) was a Babylonian rabbi, of the fourth generation of amoraim.
Biography Safra studied under R. Abba,Babylonian Talmud, Pesahim 51b then went abroad with two colleagues, R. Kahana and R. Huna the son of R. Ika. He debated halakha with Abaye and Rava, and was probably a disciple of Rava, who would sometimes impose various tasks upon him.Babylonian Talmud, Tractate Zebahim, 116b He had a brother named Dimi.
He engaged in trading, and in his business would go in dangerous places.Babylonian Talmud, Bava Kamma 116a One of his business partners was Issur Giora (Issur the proselyte), father of Rav Mari bar Rachel, and the son-in-law of Samuel of Nehardea.Babylonian Talmud, Bava Metzia 31b However, Safra was sufficiently dedicated to his Torah studies that he would only engage in business to the minimal extent necessary to support himself, and not even to support other people such as his brothers.Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 144a
He was known for his honesty. Once a buyer offered a certain price for Safra's merchandise. Safra mentally agreed to the price, but was unable to answer immediately as he was reciting the shema. The seller took this as a rejection, and offered a higher bid. However, when Safra was able to answer, he insisted on taking the price first offered.Makkot 24a and Rashi ad loc.
He would take care to perform some of the cooking for Shabbat, even though this could have been done by other members of his household.Kiddushin 41a
Rav Safra was single most or all of his life.Babylonian Talmud, Pesahim 113a
External links SAFRA, Jewish Virtual Library; Article
References