Ḥidḳa

Tanna of the middle of the second century. He is quoted only in the Baraita, and is best known for the halakah (Shab. 117b) fixing the number of meals on the Sabbath as four. There is also an interesting haggadic saying by him. The question was asked, "Who testifies against the selfishness of man on the day of judgment?" Among the answers given was that of Ḥidḳa: "Man's soul testifies against him; for it is written (Micah vii. 5), 'Keep the doors of thy mouth from her who lieth in thy bosom'" (Ta'an. 11a).

Bibliography:

  * Heilprin, Seder ha-Dorot, s.v.;
  * Bacher. Ag-Tan. i. 447.



S. S. E. L. S.