Abba B. Abina

An amora who flourished in the third century. He was a native of Babylonia and a pupil of Rab. He emigrated to Palestine, where he became well known in tradition, particularly through his various haggadic sayings. The confession which he composed for the Day of Atonement deserves special mention. It reads:

(Yer. Yoma, end 45a) 

"My God, I have sinned and done wicked things. I have persisted in my bad disposition and followed its direction. What I have done I will do no more. Be it Thy will, O Everlasting God, that Thou mayest blot out my iniquities, forgive all my transgressions, and pardon all my sins".

Bibliography:

  * Bacher, Ag. Pal. Amor. iii. 526, 527;
  * Heilprin, Seder ha-Dorot, ii. 15.



W. B.