1. These are the controversies relating to meals between the schools of Shammai and Hillel. The school of Shammai say, “one must say the blessing of the day, and then bless the wine;” but the school of Hillel say, “one must say the blessing on the wine, and then bless the day.” 2. The school of Shammai say, “men must pour water on the hands, and then mix the goblet;” but the school of Hillel say, “the goblet must be mixed, and then water poured on the hands.” 3. The school of Shammai say, “one is to wipe his hands on the napkin, and lay it on the table;” but the school of Hillel say, “on the cushion.” 4. The school of Shammai bless “the light, the food, the spices, and the distinction of the day;” but the school of Hillel bless “the light, the spices, the food, and the distinction of the day.” The school of Shammai say, “who created the light of fire;” but the school of Hillel say, “Creator of the lights of fire.” 6. Men must not bless light and spices of idolatrous Gentiles, nor light and spices of corpses, nor light and spices before an idol. They must not bless the light until they have enjoyed the light. 7. “If one have eaten, and forgotten, and not blessed?” The school of Shammai say, “he must return to his place and bless.” But the school of Hillel say, “he may bless in the place where he recollects.” “How long is one obliged to bless?” “Until the food in his stomach be digested.” 8. “If wine came to the company, and there is but one goblet?” The school of Shammai say “that one must bless the wine and then bless the food.” But the school of Hillel say “that one must bless the food and then bless the wine.” Men must answer “Amen” when an Israelite blesses; but they must not answer “Amen” when a Samaritan blesses, until the whole(32) blessing be heard. Chapter IX 1. He who sees a place where signs were wrought for Israel, says, “Blessed be He who wrought signs for our fathers in this place;” a place where idolatry has been rooted out,—says, “Blessed be He who hath rooted idolatry out of our land.” 2. On comets, earthquakes, lightnings, thunder, and tempests, say, “Blessed be He whose strength and might fill the world.” On mountains, hills, seas, rivers, and deserts, say, “Blessed be He who made the creation.” R. Judah says, when a man sees the great sea he is to say, “Blessed be He who made the great sea,”—when he sees it at intervals. On rains, and on good news say, “Blessed be He who is good and beneficent.” On bad news say, “Blessed be the true Judge.”