Rosh Hashana 17b
From Review Questions
12) (a)
Beloris the convert asked Raban Gamliel how he would reconcile the Pasuk in Ekev "Asher Lo Yisa Fanim" with the Pasuk in Naso "Yisa Hash-m Panav Eilecha". Rebbi Yosi ha'Kohen answered...
How was Rebbi Yosi HaCohen allowed to answer this question in front of Raban Gamliel? This question was asked to Raban Gamliel, and R' Yosi HaCohen sort of jumped in. Is this not disrespectful to Raban Gamliel?
Thank You
Avi Reiter, RBS, Israel
Shalom Rav,
It is true that a Talmid is not allowed to issue a Halachic ruling in the vicinity of his Rebbi (even if the question is addressed to him). We find also that Rav would decline to issue rulings in Neharde'a (Shmuel's town), even when the question was brought to him. However, it seems that this restriction is confined to the realm of Halachah. When it comes to Agadah, we find on a number of ocasions that Talmidim would answer questions that were put to their teachers, who did not mind, it seems, if they did so. (Perhaps they were happy not to be interrupted in the issues of Halachah with which they were occupied.) As long as the answer was satisfactory, they simply continued with their studies.
Kol Tuv,
Eliezer Chrysler