For the source text click/tap here: Bava Metzia 85
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Rebbe said: Suffering is beloved. Thereupon, he undertook to suffer for thirteen years, six through tzemirta (stones in the kidneys) and seven through tzefarna (disease in the mouth). Others reverse it that it was seven through tzemirta and six through tzefarna. The Gemora relates that Rebbe’s stableman was wealthier (from selling the manure from all of Rebbe’s horses) than the King of Persia.
When he placed fodder for the animals,their noises could be heard for three mils, and he intentionally threw it before them just when Rebbe entered the bathroom (in order that the noises emanating from Rebbe, due to his pain, would not be heard). Yet even so, his cry was louder than theirs, and was heard even by the seafarers.
Nevertheless, the sufferings of Rabbi Elozar the son of Rabbi Shimon were superior in virtue to those of Rebbe.
We explore the possible nature of his disease(s) as well as other agaric pearls on this amazing daf.