For the source text click/tap here: Bava Kamma 83
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The Gemora had brought a braisa detailing the story that led the Sages to curse anyone who taught their children Greek wisdom (Chachma Yevanis).
The Gemora now brings a braisa that seems to contradict this prohibition. The braisa quotes Rebbe and Rabbi Yosi discussing what languages are superior to Aramaic, due to their fluidity and pleasant sound.
Rebbe says that Hebrew and Greek are superior to Aramaic, while Rabbi Yosi says Hebrew and Persian are superior. [Rashi explains that Rebbe mentioned Greek, due to the Land of Israel’s proximity to Greece, while Rabbi Yosi mentioned Persian, due to Babylonia’s proximity to Persia.]
The Gemora resolves this contradiction by distinguishing between the Greek language, which is permitted, and desirable, and Greek wisdom, which was prohibited by the Sages in the first braisa.
We explore the Rabbinic approach to secular wisdom.