הרב מר זוטרא

Rav Mar Zutra (niftar 5177/417) was a Babylonian amora of the sixth generation. He learned before Rav Papa, whose teachings he often brought, and before Rav Papi, and he also cited halachot he had received in the names of earlier chachamim such as Rav Huna, Rav Chisda, and Rav Sheshet. His close companions were Amemar and Rav Ashi; the three of them are found together in their learning, at their meals, and at the court of the king Yazdegerd. He is described as having stood at the head of the Yeshiva of Pumbedita, before Rav Acha the son of Rava. His brother was Rav Ada Saba, and two of his sons, Natan and Huna, were counted among the chachamim.

Several of his practices entered the tefillah. Before sleep he would say that he forgave anyone who had caused him pain — the source of the words of mechilah said in Keriat Shema al HaMitah. He composed a nusach of Birkat Aveilim for the comforting of mourners, and taught that the reward of a fast day rests upon the tzedakah given on it.