RAVAʾ (d. circa 352 CE) was a leading fourth-generation Babylonian amora, based in the city of Mahoza. The son of Yosef bar Ḥamaʾ and a student of Ḥisdaʾ, Nahman, and Yosef bar Ḥiyyaʾ, Ravaʾ gathered students in Mahoza after the deaths of Yosef bar Ḥiyyaʾ (c. 323) and Abbaye (c. 338). In his work he attempts to analyze and further disseminate earlier rabbinic teachings.

Through his function as a dayyan (judge) and market supervisor, Ravaʾ imposed rabbinic norms on Babylonian Jewry (B.T., Ket. 67a, San. 99b–100a). He lectured in the pirqa' gatherings, where aggadic and halakhic topics were discussed. These were convened on sabbaths and special occasions especially for the general public, although students were also expected to attend (B.T., Pes. 50a). He instructed many students who attended the kallot (sg., kallah), academic conventions that lasted several days. He trained disciples as well in...