What does the Gemara mean by its Limudim from "Hen Kel Kabir..." and Padah b'Shalom..."? What is the connection between the verses and how do we learn from them the importance of Tefilah b'Tzibur (or bi'Zeman sheha'Tzibur Mispalelim)?
I would be glad to receive an answer or a list of sources to search through for answers to this.
Thanks you,
Yitzchak, Jerusalem, Israel
I apologize for the long delay in answering.
Rebbi Acha b'Rebbi Chanina cites two Pesukim. Firstly, he cites the Pasuk in Iyov "Hein Keil Kabir, ve'Lo Yim'as Kabir ... ", which in his opinion means that Hash-m who is mighty, does not reject the mighty ... of Yisrael".
(It appears that the second "Kabir" has been erroneously omitted from the text. Rashi too, is not clear, as the first "Kabir" is an adjective describing Hash-m, and means 'strong').
It is unclear however, to what the might of Yisrael refers. Therefore, he cites the second Pasuk in Tehilim "Padah ve'Shalom Nafshi ... ki be'Rabim Hayah Imadi". This Pasuk is referring to a Yachid, which is why three merits are required (Torah, Avodah and Gemilas Chasadim, see Agados Maharsha). But we see from there that Avodah does not pertain to a Tefilas Yachid, but to a Tefilas Tzibur. And that is why the Rebbi Acha uses it to describe "Kabir" in the first Pasuk. If a Yachid is assured that his Tefilah be'Tzibur will combine with Torah and Gemilas Chasadim to ensure that Hash-m will be with him, it follows that the Tefilah of a Tzibur alone will always stand them in good stead, and that it is the "Kabir" referred to in the Pasuk in Iyov.
Incidentally, there is also a Pasuk in Yeshayah (16:14) where the word "Kabir" means 'many', rather than 'strong' (see Metzudas David).
R. Eliezer Chrysler