רבי חנינא בר חמא

Rabbi Chanina bar Chama was an amora of the early generations. He appears in both the Talmud and the midrashic literature, where his teachings touch on the proper conduct of Torah learning and on Hashem’s relationship to people.

In Taanit he draws on two seemingly contradictory verses in Mishlei — “Let your springs flow outward” and “Let them be for you alone” — and resolves them by distinguishing the worthy student: if one’s student is fitting, his springs should flow outward and his teaching be shared widely; if not, the teaching should be kept to oneself. This reflects a concern for guarding Torah and conveying it only to those prepared to receive it.