In this Maseches, we have remarkable descriptions of RYB'L's and Rebbi's deaths. (Also one of Rav Pappas sons).
(a) I don't remember any other such detailed descriptions in Shas. Can you point me to other places?
(b) Also - who is the "narrator" by R"YBL? Unlike the gemara in Chagiga for instance when we have the description of the 4 who went into PARDES, here there were no other witnesses recorded.
Thank you!
Tuvya Marcus, Jerusalem, IL
(a) The parting of Raban Yochanan ben Zakai is described in Berachos 28b.
(b) I asked Rav Moshe Shapiro your question. He suggested that Rebbi Yehoshua ben Levi told it over after arriving in Gan Eden. Although the dead cannot communicate with this world (Berachos 18b), someone who never died, such as Eliyahu ha'Navi, or Rebbi Yehoshua ben Levi, can do so.
Best wishes,
Kollel Iyun Hadaf