of the wood store, in consequence of a tradition they inherited from their ancestors that the Ark of the Covenant was hidden in that locality.  The origin of the tradition was this:—­A priest, being once engaged near the wood store, and observing that part of the plaster differed from the rest, went to tell his companions, but died before he had time to relate his discovery.  Thus it became known for certain that the Ark was hidden there.

Shekalim chap. 3, hal, 1.

It is more than probable that the Chananiah, mentioned above, is the person alluded to in the Acts, chap, xxiii. 2, as “the high priest Ananias.”  For the tradition about the Ark. see also 2 Macc. ii. 4, 5.

There were thirteen horn-shaped collecting-boxes in the Temple, and upon them were inscribed new shekels, old shekels, turtle-dove offerings, young-pigeon offerings, fire-wood, contributions for Galbanus, gold for the mercy-seat; and six boxes were inscribed for voluntary contributions.  New shekels were for the current year, old shekels were for the past one.

Yoma, fol. 55, col, 2.

Once on account of long-continued drought Rabbi Eliezer proclaimed thirteen public fasts, but no rain came.  At the termination of the last fast, just as the congregation was leaving the synagogue, he cried aloud, “Have you then prepared graves for yourselves?” Upon this all the people burst into bitter cries, and rain came down directly.

Taanith, fol. 25, col. 2.

A boy at thirteen years of age is bound to observe the usual fasts in full, i.e., throughout the whole day.  A girl is bound to do so when only twelve.  Rashi gives this as the reason:—­A boy is supposed to be weaker than a girl on account of the enervating effect of much study.

Kethuboth, fol. 5, col. 1.

A poor man once came to Rava and begged for a meal.  “On what dost thou usually dine?” asked Rava.  “On stuffed fowl and old wine,” was the reply.  “What!” said Rava, “art thou not concerned about being so burdensome to the community?” He replied, “I eat nothing belonging to them, only what the Lord provides; as we are taught (Ps. cxlv. 15), ’The eyes of all wait upon Thee, and Thou givest them their meat in his season.’  It is not said in their season, for so we learn that God provides for each individual in his season of need.”  While they were thus talking, in came Rava’s sister, who had not been to see him for thirteen years, and she brought him as a present a stuffed fowl and some old wine also.  Rava marveled at the coincidence, and turning to his poor visitor said, “I beg thy pardon, friend; rise, I pray thee, and eat.”

Ibid., fol. 67, col. 2.

So great is circumcision that thirteen covenants were made concerning it.  Tosafoth says that covenant is written thirteen times in the chapter of circumcision.

Nedarim, fol. 31, col. 2.

Rabbi (the Holy) says sufferings are to be borne with resignation.  He himself bore them submissively for thirteen years; for six he suffered from lithiasis, and for seven years from stomatitis (or, as some say, six years from the former and seven from the latter).  His groans were heard three miles off.