Rabbi Chama bar Bisa Asks Rabbi Yishmael a Question
Sent by Rebbe, Rabbi Chama bar Bisa asks Rabbi Yishmael ben Rabbi Yosi a question, then asks for Rebbe’s view rather than that of Rebbe’s own teacher.
The Gemara in Niddah that was just quoted goes on to cite an interesting anecdote. Rebbe (R’ Yehudah) was conversing with Rebbe Yishmael the son of Rebbe Yossi. Rebbe told Rebbe Yishmael that an individual named Rebbe Chama, the son of Bisa, was a really great man. Rebbe Yishmael requested that the next time Rebbe Chama comes around, he should be sent to him. Eventually, Rebbe Chama presented himself to Rebbe Yishmael.
Rebbe Yishmael told him, “Ask me a question on any topic.” Rebbe Chama bar Bisa complied and asked him a question relating to hilchos niddah. Whereupon Rebbe Yishmael replied, “Would you like me to answer according to my father’s (Rebbe Yossi’s) opinion or according to Rebbe Yehudah haNasi’s opinion?” Rebbe Chama replied, “Rebbe Yehudah haNasi.” Rebbe Yishmael then said, “Why would you want to hear the student’s opinion, when you could hear the rebbe’s?”