IDI B. ABIN NAGGARA:
Babylonian amora of the fourth period (about 350). His father, whose name ("Naggara"="carpenter") probably indicates his occupation, came from Nerash or Nerus (
), in Babylonia. The son, Idi (or Ada), gave an explanation in the presence of R. Joseph (Shab. 60a), had discussions with Abaye on various occasions (B. M. 35b), and likewise gave explanations in the presence of Rabbah ('Er. 56b; Ḳid. 40a). He also had occasion to appear in the court of Ḥisda (B. B. 33a). Idi was the brother of Ḥiyya. Passing the door of their father's house one Friday evening, Huna (b. Ḥiyya of Pumbedita) noticed that the house was illuminated with candles; whereupon Huna predicted that two shining lights would issue from that house. The prophecy was verified in the birth of Idi and Ḥiyya (Shab. 23b). Idi married the daughter of a priest, who bore him two sons—Sheshet and Joshua (Pes. 49a). Idi took advantage of his wife's position as a kohen to accept "the shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw" as the share due to a priest (Deut. xviii. 3), a custom which prevailed even during the Exile (Ḥul. x. 1). Idi was considered the main authority in Nerash, where he introduced a certain ordinance (Ned. 67b). Idi seems to have moved at a later period to Shekanzib, where he had occasion to receive Papa and Huna, whom he treated in a somewhat slighting manner (Yeb. 85a).
