Megilla 6 Name that City; the Labour of Learning; Adar II

Sometimes cities have more than one name.  Our rabbis discuss the names of cities including Tiberius and Tzippori.  They wonder about whether and how these cities are linked with which other names.  Characteristics of cities - including their size, their inhabitants, their 'treasures' (sea creatures and sand) and topography are noted in the suggested names/translations.  The rabbis' arguments are detailed and complex, juxtaposing these characteristics and the various names with  proof texts taken from Torah.

The rabbis further examine places that are described in Torah.  They use verses to understand better the locations of the captured tower of Shir, synagogues and study halls/ theatres and circuses in Edom, Leshem, Ekron/Caesarea, and Jerusalem.  They speak of the competition between Caesarea and Jerusalem over many centuries.  Caesarea was often ruled and populated by Gentiles while Jerusalem was ruled and populated by Jews.  However, Caesarea was a significant hub of Jewish learning, as well.

A number of phrases are quoted with similar meanings: follow those who are good rather than following those who are wicked.  Rabbi Yitzchak teaches that if a person says to you I have laboured and not found success, do not believe him.  If s/he says I have not laboured but I have found success, do not believe him.  But if s/he says I have laboured and I have found success, believe him.  This is interpreted as a reference to Torah study.  Learning is hard work but it always leads to success -- the learning in itself is a process of success.  But Torah cannot be leaned simply and without work.  When it comes to business, however, hard work does not necessarily lead to success.  We need heavenly intervention as well.

In amud (b), we learn a conversation regarding what to do with wicked people. Do we stand up to them and provoke them, or do we leave them alone?  A number of different passages are quoted, sharing different ideas about this question.  We are told in a note by Steinsaltz that we should assume that a wicked person who is having good fortune should be treated well, and not badly, as he is probably being helped by heaven.  However, if this person is on trial and the trial has begun, we should use our knowledge about his character as we judge him.

Ulla describes Rome, part of southern Italy known in the time of the Gemara as "Greek Italy".  It is said to be divided into 365 areas, each of which hosts the king's (the Roman Emporer's) dinner meal once each year.  Each person, whether living in Rome or visiting, receives an allowance from the king.  The bathhouses are cared for meticulously, as well.

A new Mishna tells us that the Megilla is to be read in the month of Adar that falls closest to Nissan - which would be Adar II in leap years.  However, if the year is intercalculated after the Megilla has been read in Adar I, the Megilla is read again and gifts are redistributed to the poor.

The Gemara wonders about eulogies and fasting, which are also part of the practice of Purim.  They speak about which factors - reading the Megilla, giving gifts to the poor, eulogizing the dead, and fasting - are dependent upon which other factors to properly observe halacha on Purim.