69b----------------------------------------69b
1)
THE MEANING OF RAV'S SILENCE
שתיק רב, אמר רב ששת מ"ט שתיק רב
Translation: Rav was silent. Rav Sheshes asked, "Why was Rav silent?"
(a)
On many occasions, the Gemara states that Rav was silent. Did Rav merely not wish to answer or was he conceding to the questioner?
1.
Tosfos (Bava Basra 62a): He was conceding.
2.
Chavos Yair: The Rama MiPano writes at the end of Sefer Yonas Ilem that whenever Rav was silent, he could have answered the question according to the Kabbala, but he did not wish to reveal it.
3.
Halichos Olam: It could be that he answered elsewhere, or he did answer the question here, but the Gemara did not mention the answer.