More Discussions for this daf
1. Tosfos in Erchin 2. Erchin vs. Arakhin 3. Erchin vs. Arakhin
DAF DISCUSSIONS - ERCHIN 0

Yaaqov Loewinger asked:

Sir I guess you couldn't read my previous message, so I repeat it in english:

I cannot understand yr transliteration Erchin for Massekhet Arakhin or Arokhin

Yours sincerely, Yaaqov Loewinger

The Kollel replies:

Yaaqov,

Concerning Erchin vs. Arachin: It is true that Hebrew grammar definitely would call for Arachin (Kamatz under R). However, in Aramaic there is no expansion of the second syllable in the plural, so the plural of Erech would be Erchin. For just some examples, see Daniel, where you will find Malchin (quite common), Yarchin (4:26), Kitrin (5:12), Timhin (6:28), Il'in (7:5), Sifrin (7:10), etc. There is really no need to prove this fact because it is obvious. There are several Masechtos with Aramaic names; perhaps Erchin is also one.

The objection to all this may be that Erech is not an Aramaic word at all. However, it is well known that Hebrew words, especially technical "learning" terms, are adopted into Aramaic in the Gemara and are treated and conjugated, etc. like Aramaic words. (in Yiddish, "geganvet").

It is not a clear-cut issue, but then "Kol ha'Meshaneh Yado Al ha'Tachtonah."

Thanks for your comments,

-Y. Blinder,

writing for Kollel Iyun Hadaf