The rabbis share stories of Tamar and King David to prove that they set the example to avoid humiliating others publicly at all costs. They question whether or not one's wife is included in the directive to "...not mistreat each man his colleague" (Leviticus 25:17). They note that women will shed tears quickly, which leads swiftly to severe punishment. Rav, Rav Pappa, Rabbi Chelbo and Rava all describe precedents regarding the importance of speaking kindly to one's wife and putting weight on her opinion. Other rabbis suggest that this should only be the case regarding household matters.
A long story is told regarding disagreements between Rabbi Eliezer and the rabbis. Eventually they excommunicate him. Rabbi Akiva, dressed in black, informed his teacher with kindness about the excommunication. This is used to emphasize the importance of avoiding humiliation. Rabbi Eliezer cried tears which led to the destruction many crops and even food being prepared. Anywhere he looked was said to be burned. Rabbi Gamliel was at sea at this time, and the sea threatened to overturn the boat. Rabbi Gamliel called out to G-d, reminding G-d that it was only for G-d's sake that he had taken issue with Rabbi Eliezer.
Emma Shalom is quoted today. She instructs her husband, Rabbi Eliezer, not to bow his head when saying the tachanun prayer, for she thought that this would make him think of Rabbi Gamliel, her brother, and harm would come his way. At the moment she turned away, Rabbi Eliezer did not follow her advice and Imma Shalom's brother died. She explained that She received this gift from the house of the father of her father. that all of the gates of Heaven are apt to be locked except for the gates of prayer for victims of verbal mistreatment.
Today's daf is one I have been hoping for for some time. In their conversation about the seriousness of verbal mistreatment, the rabbis actually consider how men should be treating their wives.
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