Abba bar Zabdai

Who is Abba bar Zabdai?

Abba bar Zabdai was a Palestinian amora who flourished in the 3rd century. He studied in Babylonia, attending the lectures of Rab and Rav Huna, and subsequently settled at Tiberias, where he occupied a respected position by the side of Rav Ammi and Assi. Mention is made of his custom of saying his prayers in a loud voice. Of his haggadic productions there exists, among others, a sermon for a public fast-day, on Lamentations iii.41, from which the following may be quoted: