Reply To: Sanbatyon River

Hi Sam2. That you for the input. I would like to make a couple points on your comment. Reference to the Sambatyon river predates Eldad HaDani. He did not bring it to Jewry’s attention. Additionally, his travel narrative was seemingly accepted by the majority of our leaders. Although it is true that the Ibn Ezra and the Maharam of Rothenburg were skeptical, the then Ga’on of Sura, Mar Zemach ben Chaim, vouched for Eldad’s reliability and trustworthiness. Also Rashi, Rabad, and Avrohom ben Rambam cite Eldad HaDani as an unquestioned authority.