Soncino English Talmud
Avodah Zarah
Daf 36a
But did Daniel decree against oil? Behold Bali declared that Abimi the Nabatean said in the name of Rab: The bread, wine and oil of heathens and their daughters are all included in the eighteen things! Should you argue that Daniel came and made the decree but it was not accepted, and then the disciples of Hillel and Shammai came and made the decree which was accepted, in that case what was the purpose of Rab's testimony? — But [Rab's contention is that] Daniel decreed against the use of the oil in a city, and [the disciples] came and decreed against its use even in a field. How, then, was it possible for R. Judah the Prince to permit [what was forbidden by] the ordinance of the disciples of Shammai and Hillel, seeing that we have learnt: A Court is unable to annul the decisions of another Court, unless it is superior to it in wisdom and numerical strength! Furthermore, Rabbah b. Bar Hanah has said in the name of R. Johanan: In all matters a Court can annul the decisions of another Court except the eighteen things [prohibited by the Schools of Hillel and Shammai], for even were Elijah and his Court to come [and declare them permitted] we must not listen to him! — R. Mesharsheya said: The reason [that these eighteen things form an exception] is because their prohibition has spread among the large majority of Israelites, but the prohibition concerning oil did not so spread; for R. Samuel b. Abba said in the name of R. Johanan: Our masters sat and made investigation concerning [the use of heathens'] oil [and found] that its prohibition had not spread among the large majority of Israelites; they accordingly relied upon the dictum of Rabban Simeon b. Gamaliel and R. Eliezer b. Zadok who declared: We make no decree upon the community unless the majority are able to abide by it. R. Adda b. Ahaba said: What Scriptural verse supports this rule?
Sefaria
Ketubot 2b · Avodah Zarah 68b · Megillah 2a · Gittin 36b · Moed Katan 3b · Daniel 1:8 · Shabbat 17b · Bava Kamma 79b · Bava Batra 60b · Horayot 3b
Mesoret HaShas
Bava Kamma 79b · Bava Batra 60b · Horayot 3b · Avodah Zarah 68b · Megillah 2a · Gittin 36b · Moed Katan 3b · Shabbat 17b