Gofnit
  Selections from classical Torah sources which express the special relationship between the People of Israel and Eretz Yisrael GOFNIT In this ancient city there were 80 sets of twin brothers of kohanite families married to 80 sets of twin sisters of kohanite families. Maharsha (Mesechta Berachot 44a) suggests that the name of this community was derived from the word gefen (grapevine), as in the verse: "Your wife shall be like a gefen poriah, a fruitful grapevine." (Tehillim 128:3) The union of two partners who are both of kohanite families is compared to the blending of grapes with grapes (Mesechta Pesachim 49a), as opposed to a less dignified union which is like combining grapes with thorns. |
Written by Rabbi Mendel Weinbach, Dean, Ohr Somayach Institutions
General Editor: Rabbi Moshe Newman
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