Shmuel also left his native Babylonia to study at Rabbi's academy. Coming back before Rav and outliving him, Shmuel established Neharedea as the leading center of Torah study in Babylonia. Besides his Torah scholarship, Shmuel was famous for being an astronomer and physician and was honored by King Shapur I of Persia.
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Master of the CalendarTALMUD
Master of the Calendar
TALMUD
Shmuel's expertise allowed him to fix the Jewish calendar for the entire Diaspora without the need for witnesses. The Talmudic tractate Rosh Hashanah discusses the intricacies of the Jewish calendar, including the process of sanctifying a new month and the principles governing leap years.
The Limits of Shmuel's KnowledgeREFERENCE
The Limits of Shmuel's Knowledge
REFERENCE
Even the great Amora Shmuel, known for his astronomical expertise, had limitations in his knowledge of the leap year. This biography of Shmuel Yarchinaa, a prominent Talmudic scholar, explores his contributions and limitations in the field of Jewish law and astronomy.
The Scholar and DoctorREFERENCE
The Scholar and Doctor
REFERENCE
Shmuel was not only a great scholar but also a learned doctor, earning him the titles “the lion” and “the king of the laws.” Gershom Bader’s biographical account provides insights into Shmuel’s expertise in both Jewish law and natural sciences.