THE TANA'IM DEBATE
1)
The Romans' motives -
Rebbi Shimon asserted that the Romans deserved no merit for their innovations; they were entirely self-serving. Where else in Shas do we find this argument?
2)
Gratitude? -
Why were the Tana'im discussing such seemingly trivial matters? Why did Rebbi Yehudah find it necessary to praise the Romans, whereas Rebbi Shimon held the opposite approach?
THE ROMANS' RESPONSE
3)
Divine Providence -
How was the Romans' reaction to the three Tana'im's words, in fact a clear expression of Divine Providence for each of them?
