Babylonian Talmud, Book 2: Tracts Erubin, Shekalim, Rosh
Hashana, tr. by Michael L. Rodkinson, , at sacred-texts.com
ORDINANCES ABOUT THE WITNESSES CONCERNING THE NEW MOON, THE
HOISTING OF THE FLAGS AND HOW IT WAS CONSECRATED BY THE BETH
DIN. MISHNA: If the witness was unknown another was sent with
him to testify to his character. In former times they would
receive evidence (about the appearance of the moon) from any
one; but when the Boëthusians commenced to corrupt the witnesses
the rule was made, that evidence would only be received from
those who were known (to be reputable). GEMARA: What is meant by
"another" (in the above Mishna)? Another pair (of witnesses). It
seems also to be so from the statement of the Mishna. "If the
witness was unknown? Shall we assume that it means one
(witness)? Surely the evidence of one was not received, for this
transaction was called "judgment" [Psalms, lxxxi.] (and two
witnesses are necessary)? What, then, does "the witness" mean?
That pair; so also here, "another" means a