Gebini

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GEBINI

GEBINI (first century), Temple crier of the Second Temple (Shekalim 5:1). His role was to rouse those on duty to the performance of the Temple rites. According to the baraita his cry was, "Priests, bestir yourselves to your service, levites to your platform (for song), Israelites to your posts" (*Ma'amad; Yoma 20b; tj, Shek. 5:2, 48d). The Mishnah states that his voice could even be heard as far as Jericho (Tam. 3:8). His stentorian voice became legendary. The baraita adds that King Agrippa heardhis voice at a distance of three (another version, eight) parasangs, and sent him a gift in admiration. It is believed that the name became an eponym for all subsequent Temple criers.

bibliography:

Hyman, Toledot, 300.

[Jacob Eliahu Ephrathi]

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