In this episode on Ta'anit 23b, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores the legacy of Choni HaMe'agel through his grandson Chanon HaNechba (Hanan the Hidden). When the world needed rain, the Sages sent schoolchildren to grasp Chanon's garments and cry, "Father, give us rain!" Chanon would turn to Hashem, pleading for rain "for these children who don't distinguish between a father who gives rain and one who doesn't." The Gemara explains his name "HaNechba" (the Hidden) from his habit of concealing himself even in the privy out of extreme modesty.

The discussion contrasts the prayer styles of Eretz Yisrael's tzaddikim (e.g., Rebbi Yonah, father of Rebbi Mani) with those of Bavel. The former prayed privately and humbly (e.g., Rebbi Yonah hiding his prayers behind excuses like buying grain during drought, standing in deep places to fulfill "From the depths I call You, Hashem"), leading to immediate rain. Rebbi Mani's prayers were so powerful that even graveside supplications (e.g., against harassers from the Nasi's court) caused miracles (horses' legs rooting in place until the harassers relented). The Gemara relates astonishing stories of Rebbi Yitzchak ben Yashiv's decrees (making the rich poor then rich again, making Chana beautiful then plain), and Rebbi Yosef ben Yuchras' extreme exactness (his donkey refusing to move if over/underpaid; his harsh words causing his children's fates—his son dying young after praying for out-of-season figs, his daughter losing beauty after causing men to sin by gazing at her). These illustrate the immense power—and danger—of righteous prayer and words, the importance of humility/modesty in prayer, and how tzaddikim's words can alter reality (measure for measure).

Rabbi Wolbe draws lessons on humility in prayer (recognizing our limitations before Hashem), the power of sincere, childlike pleas, avoiding negative speech (never "open your mouth to the Satan"), and the exacting nature of some tzaddikim vs. merciful approaches (e.g., Avraham Avinu). He emphasizes prayer as acknowledging Hashem's unlimited power and our dependence, urging caution with words due to their creative/destructive potential.
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The Thinking Talmudist Podcast shares select teachings of Talmud in a fresh, insightful and meaningful way. Many claim that they cannot learn Talmud because it is in ancient Aramaic or the concepts are too difficult. Well, no more excuses. In this podcast you will experience the refreshing and eye-opening teachings while gaining an amazing appreciation for the divine wisdom of the Torah and the depths of the Talmud.
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This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by David & Susan Marbin

Recorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on February 27, 2026, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on March 23, 2026
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Share your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.
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About the Host:
Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org
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Listen More
Other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe:

NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodes
Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodes
Jewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodes
Parsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodes
Living Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodes
Thinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodes
Unboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodes
Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodes

For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org

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Keywords:
#Talmud, #Taanit, #Choni, #Prayer, #Rain, #Geshem, #Blessing, #PrayerForRain, #HumilityInPrayer, #Miracles, #MeasureForMeasure

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