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RavSafra (Hebrew:רב ספרא; around 280-338) was aBabylonian rabbi, of the fourth generation ofamoraim.
Safra studied under R. Abba,[1] then went abroad with two colleagues, R. Kahana and R. Huna the son of R. Ika.[1] He debatedhalakha withAbaye andRava, and was probably a disciple of Rava, who would sometimes impose various tasks upon him.[2] He had a brother namedDimi.
He engaged in trading, and in his business would go in dangerous places.[3] One of his business partners was Issur Giora (Issur the proselyte), father of RavMari bar Rachel, and the son-in-law ofSamuel of Nehardea.[4] However, Safra was sufficiently dedicated to his Torah studies that he would only engage in business to the minimal extent necessary to support himself, and not even to support other people such as his brothers.[5]
He was known for his honesty. Once a buyer offered a certain price for Safra's merchandise. Safra mentally agreed to the price, but was unable to answer immediately as he was reciting theshema. The seller took this as a rejection, and offered a higher bid. However, when Safra was able to answer, he insisted on taking the price first offered.[6]
He would take care to perform some of the cooking forShabbat, even though this could have been done by other members of his household.[7]
Rav Safra was single most or all of his life.[8]