2 pages

Read the Talmudic selection on Rabbinic authority that appears on p. 20 of the pdf (p. 372 of the text).  Explain the significance of the debate recounted here.  Place the text in historical context, and explain the significance of debate between Rabbis about the meaning of scripture during this particular period of Jewish history.  Also say what you make of G*d (the Holy One) laughing, as reported by Elijah.  [the word “chlordane” in this passage is just an odd translation – in other translations it is rendered as “children”]