Talmudic Figures

An orphan, Abaye was raised by his uncle, Rabbah. The latter trained him to be a scholar from his youth and sent him to study under the other great teachers of the day. Abaye then became a devoted disciple of Rav Yosef, the head of the academy of Pumbedita, whom he succeeded. Known for his piety and his discussions with Rava, he is one of the most quoted disputants in the Talmud.

Rabbi Halafta overlapped with several generations, reporting to Rabban Gamliel of Yavneh what he heard from the latter's grandfather. He lived longer still and interacted with the generation of R. Yochanan b. Nuri in his old age. He was also the father and teacher of R. Yose ben Halafta and the head of an academy in Sepphoris.

Abba Hanan was apparently a devoted student of R. Eliezer b. Hyrkanus. Hence he almost always cited him.

Abba Shaul is cited frequently in the Talmud and Midrash, often in connection with the Temple service. He lived in the generation of R. Akiva and was a gravedigger.

R. Abba Yose b. Dostai was a scholar that lived at the time of R. Yehudah haNasi.

Akavia was an independent and highly principled scholar who was offered the position of head of court on condition that he would rescind his rulings. He refused and it appears that he was excommunicated as a result.

Amemar was a contemporary of Rav Ashi and is often quoted in discussion with him. He established the academy in Nehardea under his leadership, was the head of that city's court and was honored by the Persian monarchy.

Avimi was the teacher or Rav Chisda in Babylonia. In his older years he forget some of his learning, and turned to his student to remind him of it.

Avimi b. Abbahu was the son of Rabbi Abbahu. Not much is known about him, except that he had some business interests in Babylonia and that he was known for the honor that he showed his father.

Avuha d'Shmuel (the father of Shmuel) was a leading scholar and judge in Nehardea. While eclipsed by his son, Shmuel, his own reputation reached Israel, to which he had occasion to travel. He had interactions with R. Yehudah haNasi and was highly respected in the latter's court. Besides his knowledge and his wealth, he was known for his piety and kindness, especially regarding monetary matters.

Bar Kappara was frequently around R. Yehudah haNasi, functioning as an adviser and gadfly. He compiled a group of teachings like the Mishnah and had many students. While meagerly subsisting on his own labor, he eventually received divine aid, allowing him to amply take care of his household and some of his students.

Simon bar Kokhba was a Jewish military leader in Judea. He is known for leading a revolt against the Roman empire, initiated in 132 CE. The rebellion ultimately was quashed; Bar Kokhba was killed by Roman forces, and his followers were either killed or enslaved.

Bava b. Buta studied under Shammai. He was so pious that he brought a sacrifice every day just in case he sinned. Though he was blinded by Herod, he was the only sage in his entourage whose life was spared,

Ben He He was a scholar who interacted with Hillel.

The wife of R. Meir and daughter of R. Chananyah b. Teradyon, Beruriah was an outstanding scholar in her own right. Her wisdom is showcased in the Talmud, showing her great insight which particularly benefited her husband.

Choni lived in the time of Shimon b. Shetach and was known for his great piety and scholarship. Several spiritual feats are associated with him, such as drawing a circle in the sand and refusing to move until God produced proper rain. Another story recounts his going to sleep for 70 years.

Elisha b. Abuya was the son of a rich merchant and a student of R. Akiva. He too became disoriented when he "entered the orchard." In his case, he turned against the Torah and opposed it. His abandonment of the Torah results in his coming to be known as "Acher," or "the other one." R. Meir was his disciple and treated him with the utmost respect, even after he left the fold. Not only did R. Meir encourage him to repent while alive, he seemingly saved Elisha's soul once he died.

Geniva was a scholar who interacted with Rav in Babylonia. He was involved in a dispute with the powerful Mar Ukva, and it appears that he was eventually executed by the local authorities as a result.

Chananyah was a student and nephew of R. Yehoshua b. Chananyah. He left Palestine at an early age, and established himself in Babylonia where he soon became its leading scholar. Forming a major academy in Nehardea, he argued for the right of his court to fix the months and the holidays. This came when R. Shimon b. Gamliel was trying to reassert centralized power, and he forced Chananyah to back down.

One of the authors of Megillat Taanit, Hananyah b. Hizkiyah b. Garon is most known for having spent a long time isolated in his attic to better understand the book of Ezekiel, in order to prevent it from being removed from the canon. His attic is also recorded as a meeting place of the sages.

Hillel was one of the most influential and prolific of the early sages, active during the end of the first century BCE and the beginning of the first century CE. Coming from Babylon to learn with Avtalyon and Shemaya, he soon became famous for his scholarship and his patient and tolerant manner. Bolstered by his Davidic lineage, he served as Nasi during part of Herod’s reign.

A direct descendent of his namesake who was the originator of the dynasty, Hillel II was one of the last to hold the title of Nasi. As life in Palestine was getting increasingly difficult, he established the fixed calendar still in use today.

R. Chiyya's two sons, Yehudah b. Chiyya and Chizkiyah b. Chiyya, came with him from Babylonia to Palestine as young adults. Already known for their scholarship, they added distinction to Rabbi's academy. They died prematurely and were buried on either side of their father.

Issi b. Yehudah was a devoted student of R. Elazar b. Shamu'a, and was apparently known by many nicknames.

Karna was a judge in Nehardah, where he served under Shmuel. Nevertheless, he sometimes tooks stands against Shmuel, which angered the latter. He was the first one to evaluate Rav's aptitude when Rav came to Babylonis.

An important member of Rabi's entourage, Levi' b. Sisi's relationship with the house of the Nasi was complicated. A brilliant scholar, he also composed a version of the Mishnah. Yet due to his dissatisfaction with his treatment by the academy, he moved to Babylonia and established his own academy there.

Mar Ukva was among the first of the exilarchs - administrative leaders of the Jewish community in Babylonia who claimed descent from the House of David. He was an important judge and scholar and a student of Shmuel. Known for his piety and wealth, he was famous for his discretion and generosity.

Mar Zutra was a prominent student of Rav Pappa and eventually became the head of the academy in Pumbedita. He was a colleague of Rav Ashi and Amemar and, like them, was on good terms with the Persian monarchy.

After a short hiatus, Mar b. Rav Ashi took over his father's position as head of the academy in Mata Mehasia. He continued to put together the groundwork for the Talmud, while contending with the severe persecutions of the Persian rulers.

Even though Nahum haMedi was known as one of the outstanding early judges in Jerusalem, his colleagues generally disagreed with him.

Nachum of Gamzo was a pious scholar who lived during the time of R. Yochanan b. Zakkai and was one of R. Akiva's teachers. He is most famous for his faith in God, regardless of obstacles in his path. He is therefore associated with the phrase he used for these obstacles, gam zo letova (this too is for the good).

Yehoshua b. Perachya and Nittai haArbeli served as Nasi and head of the court under Yochanan the High Priest. When the latter turned against the Pharisees, Yehoshua - and presumably Nittai - temporarily fled to Egypt and became leader of the large Jewish community in Alexandria.

One of R. Akiva's interlocutors, Pappos b. Yehudah is most famous for being R. Akiva cellmate in a Ramon jail and who comforts him be reminding him of the lofty reasons that got R. Akiva arrested.

Born in Babylonia, Rabbah Bar Bar Hana went to Israel to study under R. Yochanan, but then returned to the academies of his birthplace. He is most famous for his unusually extravagant stories, which have elicited both wonder and close reading.

Rabbah Tosafa'ah was a student of Ravina and eventually became the head of the academy in Sura. He is known to have added many finishing touches to the Babylonian Talmud(hence some understand the name Toasfa'ah to mean the one that added or complete)

Rabbah studied under the greatest teachers in Babylonia and Palestine. Because he was poor, he did not want to take over the direction of the academy in Pumbedita after the death of R. Yehudah. While he was passed over once, he was soon thereafter sought again and pressured to accept. During his career, he drew many students, including Abaye and Rava.

A disciple of Rav, Rabbah b. Avuha moved to Nehardea after Rav's death and eventually established himself in Mehuza. He was a prominent teacher and served as exilarch. He was also the father of Yalta, wife of Rav Nachman.

Rabba b. Hana was a student of R. Yehuda haNasi and the nephew of R. Chiya. He was given ordination by the former and moved to Babylonia, where he became a leader scholar and a colleague of Rav.

Rabbah b. Rav Huna was the son of head of the academy in Sura. He also studied under the latter's rival, Rav Chisda. He was known as a paradigm of humility.

R. Yehudah haNasi's older son, Rabban Gamliel b. Rabbi took over the post of nasi after his illustrious father. Though he died a few years later, he set a trend weakening the office when he appointed two others to the new and/or reinstated positions of Head of Court and Sage.

Rabban Gamliel became Nasi soon after Hillel died, shortly before the Temple's destruction. Part of his tenure came during a short respite from the Jews' troubles with the reign of Agrippa, who was befriended and taught by R. Gamliel. Many leniencies were legislated under him, and it is was likely he who brought the Great Academy of Jerusalem to Yavneh.

Rabban Gamliel (II) was the son of R. Shimon b. Gamliel. He was resolved to consolidate the power of the Sanhedrin in Yavneh in order to hold the Jewish people together after the Temple's destruction, striving to discipline and channel the intellectual ferment of his time. This met with opposition from some of his outstanding colleagues, and he was even briefly deposed.

Rabban Shimon b. Gamliel succeeded his father, Rabban Gamliel, as the Nasi into the time of the Judean Wars and up to the Temple's destruction. He continued the liberalization of Jewish law due to the increasing difficulties of the times. This included actions aimed at reducing financial burdens, such as setting an example by be buried in simple shrouds.

The son of Rabban Gamliel of Yavneh, Rabban Shimon b Gamliel (II) fled the Hadrianic persecutions in Palestine, which led to a hiatus in the office of the Nasi. Upon Hadrian's death and the lightening of the persecutions, he returned to the helm of the Sanhedrin in Usha. Like his father, he was vigorous in consolidating leadership and keeping the memory of Temple rituals alive.

Rabban Yochanan b. Zakkai was a first-century Jewish leader and scholar who managed the fragile transition of the Jewish people to life without a Temple. He sought accommodation with the Romans but could not convince the zealots, leading to the destruction of Jerusalem. He escaped that destruction and resuscitated Jewish life from Yavneh. This included preserving Temple rites outside of the Temple.

R. Abahu was born and lived in the Roman provincial capital of Caesarea. He studied under R. Yochanan and R. Elazar b. Pedat but eventually set up his own academy in his hometown. Wealthy and well-liked by the Romans, he frequently interceded with them for his fellow Jews. He was also known for his humility and piety.

Rabbi Abba came from Babylonia to Israel, but was not immediately appreciated there. He was a wealthy silk merchant and eventually also attained great respect as a Torah scholar, to the point that he was called, "our rabbis in the Land of Israel." He was a student of R. Ami and eventually had many students as well, Rav Safra being one of them.

Rabbi Abba b. R. Hiyya [b. Abba] was the son of R. Hiyya b. Abba who was R. Yochanan's student. R. Abba also brings down teachings from R. Yochanan which R, Abba presumably got from his father.

R. Achi (Achai) b. Yoshayah lived at the time of R. Yehudah haNasi and was known for his piety.. He taught in Israel, but had some connection to Babylonia. Eventually he moved there and became one of its rabbinic leaders.

R. Akiva was a student of R. Tarfon, R. Eliezer and R. Yehoshua, but quickly became their colleague. Coming from a simple family of converts, he began his study of Torah at age forty at the behest of his wife, Rachel. At the height of his glory, he is reputed to have had twenty-four thousand students. Yet these students died prematurely, and his prolific teachings were passed on by a small elite following. In the face of Roman persecution, he supported Bar Kochba's revolt and ultimately died as a martyr.

R. Aphes was R. Yehudah haNasi's secretary and took his place as the Head of Academy when the former died. He must have lived in the south of Israel for many years, as he is referred to as "our Rabbis in the South."

Rabbi Avin b. Ravin was named after his father, since the latter died right when he was born.

Rabbi Banna'ah was a teacher highly appreciative of the Mishnah. Among his students was R. Yochanan.

Rabbi Berekhiyah was a student of Rav Helbo, and he brings down many of his teachings. Most of this teachings are homiletical.

R. Chanina b. Chama moved from Babylonia to study at Rabbi's academy. Though quickly recognized as an outstanding scholar, his unusual manner led many to keep their distance. This included Rabbi, who delayed ordaining him. Nonetheless, he became head of the academy at Sepphoris.

R. Chanina b. Dosa lived before and after the Temple's destruction. He was known for his piety, his faith and his ability to petition God. In this regard, the greatest scholars would turn to him to pray for them. He lived on next to nothing and experienced many miracles on behalf of himself and his family.

Raised in Babylonia, R. Chiyya moved to Palestine and became the greatest scholar in R. Yehudah haNasi's academy. He was centrally involved in the compilation of the Bereita and the Tosefta and led his own academy in Tiberias. Known for his piety as well as his scholarship, it is said that all of his prayers were answered.

R. Chiyya b. Abba (II) came from Babylonia and studied under R. Yochanan in Tiberias. Due to poverty and various conflicts, he moved a great deal. Due to his piety, his prayers were known to be particularly effective.

Known for his longevity, R. Dosa was a contemporary of R. Yochanan b. Zakkai, but lived on several decades after the destruction of the Temple.

R. Dostai b. Yannai appears throughout the Talmud and Midrash, primarily as a teacher of homiletical ideas. It is likely that he was a student of R. Meir.

R. Dostai b. Yehudah was a student of R. Shimon b. Yochai. Though he appears relatively frequently in the Talmud, we know very little about him.

R. Elazar Hisma was a student of R. Akiva, known for his brilliance as well as for his extreme poverty. When Rabban Gamliel of Yavneh found out about his suffering, he promoted him.

R. Elazar b. Arakh was one of R. Yochanan b. Zakkai's closest students, and was known for his effective counsel. Yet because he did not join the sages in Yavneh, he forget most of his learning, regaining it only as a result of the prayers of his colleagues.

R. Elazar b. Azaryah was among the scholars in Yavneh at the time of Rabban Gamliel. When the Sanhedrin temporarily deposed Rabban Gamliel, they installed R. Elazar as his replacement. Beyond his scholarship, he was also known for his great wealth and generosity.

R. Hananyah b. Teradyon studied Torah with R. Yose b. Kisma until the latter felt it counterproductive. Caught by the Romans together with R. Elazar b. Parta, he predicted that the latter would be saved by the merit of his prolific acts of kindness, whereas he only excelled in Torah study. R. Chananyah was the father of Bruriah, the wife of R. Meir.

R. Elazar studied under Rav before moving from Babylonia. In Palestine, he studied under R. Chiyya and became one of the community's outstanding scholars. While having differences with R. Yochanan, the two often collaborated. When the latter died, R. Elazar became the head of the academy in Tiberias.

R. Elazar b. Shamu'a studied under several teachers, but eventually became a devoted student of R. Akiva. He stayed with him even when the latter was awaiting execution. He then left Palestine, returning to set up an academy in the Galilee. Among his students was the future Nasi, R. Yehudah. Though R. Elazar was reputed to have lived to 105, he too was eventually executed by the Romans.

R. Elazar b. Shimon ran away from the Roman authorities and hid in a cave for many years with his famous father, R. Shimon b. Yohai, where they studied Torah. Though his brilliance and piety remained with him, he eventually worked to catch thieves for the Romans, causing his unpopularity with some of his colleagues.

Son of the pious R. Tzadok, Rabbi Elazar (Eliezer) b. Tzadok was a scholar who had a business partnership in Jerusalem with Abba Shaul. He lived there before and during its destruction, and subsequently spent much time at the court of Rabban Gamliel of Yavneh. Many of this teachings were based on his memory of what he experienced in those contexts.

A grandson of his namesake, R. Elazar ben Tzadok (II), he was an interlocutor of R. Akiva's late students. He also taught in Babylonia and appears to have been the teacher of Rav's father there.

R. Elazar of Bertota was a student of R. Yehoshua and a colleague of R. Akiva. He was known for his excessive charity, so much so that the collectors would run away from him out of fear of impoverishing him.

R. Elazar haKappar was a contemporary of R. Yehudah haNasi. Though there is some confusion about his name, several important teachings are cited in the name of R. Elazar.

R. Elazar haModa'i was a student of Rabban Gamliel and an influential preacher of the next generation. He was Bar Kokhba's uncle, but disagreed with his revolt against Rome. Taking advantage, the Romans fomented intrigue, which led to R. Elazar's death at the hands of his nephew.

Rabbi Eliezer b. Hyrcanus was a rabbinic sage in the first and second centuries CE and one of the most frequently quoted rabbis in the Mishnah. Considered to be R. Yochanan b. Zakkai's greatest student, R. Eliezer was nevertheless a controversial figure. Coming from a wealthy but uneducated family, he left them to study Torah in poverty and eventually directed an academy in Lod. Highly conservative in his approach to Torah, he was isolated and eventually excommunicated by his colleagues.

R. Eliezer b. R. Yose haGelili was one of the later students of R. Akiva and became famous for the profundity of his homiletical statements.

R. Eliezer b. Ya'akov (I) was an early teacher who was highly thought of by later generations, for his exactitude and for his knowledge about the Temple.

R. Eliezer b. Ya'akov (II) was one of the later students of R. Akiva and one of R. Meir's teachers. He led an academy referred to as the House of R. Eliezer b. Ya'akov, which is often cited as opposing teachings from the House of R. Yishmael.

R. Eliezer b. R. Yose studied under his father who was a student of R. Yonah.

R. Haggai was a student of Rav Huna in Babylonia, but then moved to Israel, where he studied under Rav Zera. There, he became a renowned scholar known for his piety and authoritative manner.

From the Galilee village of Hanania, Rabbi Halafta of Kefar Hanania appears to have been a student of R. Meir.

R, Hama b. Bisa was a renowned scholar who lived at the time of R.. Yehudah haNasi. He spent twelve years straight away from his family while studying Torah, but was able to have his son follow in his footsteps regardless, just as he had followed in his own father's footsteps.

Rav Hama b. Hanina was a teacher in the time of R. Yochanan and possibly the son of R. Hanina b. Hama. Not much is known about him, but we are told that he used his wealth to build a synagogue in Sepphoris.

Like his father, R. Hananyah b. Akavia - who lived at the time of R. Meir - showed great independence in his teachings. He used this to the advantage of his townspeople in Tiberias, where he was a rabbi.

R. Chananyah b. Chakhinai was a prominent student of R. Tarfon and R. Akiva, notable for his complete devotion to his studies and for his knowledge of Jewish mysticism. He was martyred by the Romans.

Rabbi Hananyah ben Teradyon studied Torah under Rabbi Yose ben Kisma until Rabbi Yose felt it was counterproductive. Alongside Rabbi Elazar ben Parta, they were captured by the Romans. Rabbi Hananyah predicted that Rabbi Elazar would be saved due to his extensive acts of kindness, whereas Rabbi Hananyah himself excelled primarily in Torah study. Rabbi Hananyah was the father of Bruriah, who became the wife of Rabbi Meir.

R. Chanina Deputy of the Priests was an influential scholar at the time of Rabban Shimon b. Gamliel. As a priest, he was very involved in determining and preserving the laws of the priestly Temple service. He is reputed to have been martyred by the Romans.

R. Hanina b. Gamliel was Rabban Gamliel of Yavneh's elder son, and a student of R. Tarfon.

R. Chanina b. Pappa was also a contemporary of R. Ami, and a student of R. Shmuel b. Nachmani. He is known for the miraculous stories associated with him.

R. Helbo was a student of Rav Huna in Sura, and then moved to Israel. His understanding of homiletics and ethics, however, was formed by R. Shmuel b. Nachmani.

Very little is known about R. Hidqa, who only appears a few times in Talmudic literature, but it appears that he was an early student of R. Akiva.

R. Hizkiyah learned under R. Yirmiyah and R. Abbahu and was active in Caesarea.

Rabbi Il'ai was a student of R. Eliezer and the father of R. Yehudah.

R. Il'ai (II) studied under R. Yochanan and R. Shimon b. Lakish and had many students. One of them, Ravin, took his teachings back to Babylonia with him, such that R. Il'ai appears relatively frequently in the Babylonian Talmud as well as the Yerushalmi. He was noted for his strict adherence to Jewish law, especially with regards to Shabbat.

Rav Kohen was the brother of R. Chiyya b. Abba, and also appeared to have moved from Babylonia to Israel. He is only mentioned a few times in rabbinic literature.

R. Levi lived during the time of R. Yochanan. At first unnoticed, he became a regular speaker at R. Yochanan's academy and regaled its scholars with profound textual interpretations.

Rabbi Levitas was a scholar from Yavneh who only appears once in the Talmud, teaching about humility in Pirkei Avot. Hence very little is known about him.

Rabbi Mana (I) was a student of Rabbi Yannai and an influential teacher at the time of R. Yochanan.

R. Mana (II) was the son of R. Yonah and became a very distinguished scholar in his own right, eventually being appointed the head of the academy in Tzippori. Nevertheless, the Talmud records that he encountered personal difficulties that he was unable to resolve.

R. Matya fled the Land of Israel due to the persecutions there after the Bar Kokhba revolt. He came to Rome where he established an academy. There he became wealthy and famous, but was nevertheless known for his great piety.

R. Meir was a second century scholar whose teachings are quoted frequently in the Mishnah and throughout rabbinic literature. He studied under Elisha b. Abuya, R. Yishmael, and R. Akiva. He later became the head of the court in Usha, until he quarreled with R. Shimon ben Gamliel. At that point, he left the land of Israel altogether. He was also known to have experienced many miracles.

R. Menachem b. Yose was the youngest son of R. Yose b. Halafta. He is ironically known for being cited anonymously in the Mishnah.

R. Natan was a Babylonian scholar with great respect for the Land of Israel. When he moved there, he was chosen as the head of the court under R. Shimon b. Gamliel - an office that he kept under R. Yehuda HaNasi as well. He was a prolific and perceptive scholar and is well known for his authorship of Pirkei D'R. Natan, an ethical and homelitc tract based loosely on Pirkei Avot.

R. Nechemiyah was a student of R. Akiva, and was among those active in laying the groundwork for the Mishnah. The son of a scholar, he humbly supported himself as a potter.

While R. Nehorai may be a second name for one of the other scholars, many citations use this name. Most of these citations are homiletic and some of them come in the context of his discussions with the prophet, Eliyahu.

R. Nechunya b. haKanah also lived during the time of R. Yochanan ben Zakkai. He directed his own academy and authored several prayers and laws. Highly respected by his peers, he attributed his unusually advanced age to his harmonious relations with others.

R. Oshaya was a prominent student of R. Chiyya, and was known for the clarity of his transmission of his teacher's Bereita. He played an important role in the Sanhedrin under R. Yehudah Nesi'a. After the latter died, he went to Caesarea to lead his own academy. His students included R. Yochanan.

Rabbi Pappeyas was a scholar who lived at the same time as R. Akiva and appears to have been older than him. Many of his recorded statements are homiletical.

R. Pinchas was the son-in-law of R. Shimon bar Yochai and lived during the time of R. Yehudah haNasi. He was most famous for his outstanding piety, especially in the area of tithes, such that even his donkey was stringent about them. He is also well known for his ladder of virtues, later immortalized by R. Moshe Hayyim Luzzatto.

R. Pinchas studied under R. Yirmiyah and possibly under R. Hilkiah. While spending most of life in Israel, he appears to have spent some time in Babylonia.

R. Reuven b. Itztrobeli was one of the leaders of the generation at the time of R. Shimon b. Yochai. As such, he had dealings with the Roman leaders and, most notably, once convinced them to annul anti-Jewish decrees.

Rav Shimon b. Abba studied under R. Chaninah b. Chamah and was admired by R. Yochanan as someone worthy of ordination. Though he moved to Damascus, R. Abahu convinced him to come back to Israel.

R. Shimon b. Elazar was a devoted student of R. Meir and a colleague of R. Yehudah haNasi. He was an active polemicist against the Samaritans.

Rabbi Shimon ben Lakish began his journey studying Torah in his youth but later turned to a life of banditry. Recognizing his potential, Rabbi Yochanan persuaded him to become a Torah scholar, and they studied together for many years. During this time, Rabbi Lakish became renowned for his scholarship, eventually reaching a level comparable to Rabbi Yochanan. Unfortunately, an argument between them indirectly led to Rabbi Lakish's premature death.

R. Shimon b. Menasya was a prominent teacher and a disciple of R. Meir. He lived at the time of R. Yehudah haNasi and was a member of the pious "Holy Congregation."

Rabbi Shimon b. Pazzi, who was also known as Rabbi Simon, was a student of Rabbi Yehoshua b. Levi and among his students was Rav Hilkiyah. He was the father or R. Yehudah b. Pazzi.

R. Shimon b. Yose b. Lakonya studied under R. Shimon b. Yoacha, and was a highly esteemed scholar during the time of R. Yehudah haNasi. One episode recounted about him is how he was able to bring back R. Elazar b. Shimon's wayward son back to Torah.

R. Shimon b. Rabbi was R. Yehudah haNasi's younger son. Though he was more learned than his older brother, their father decided that the position should go to the eldest, who excelled in his fear of God. R. Shimon was also known for his outstanding character and was made the Chacham of the academy.

R. Shimon b. Yehudah was a devoted student of R. Shimon b. Yochai and lived near Acre.

R. Shimon haShiqmoni was a student of R. Akiva and a colleague of R. Hidqa.

R. Shmuel b. Nachmani was a student of R. Yochanan who became an influential scholar often sent by the Sanhedrin to Babylonia. He was known for his colorful homiletics and his longevity.

Like many others, R. Shmuel b. Yitzchak left Babylonia to study in Israel. As he established himself there, he became close to his teacher, R. Chiyya - to the point that he mourned the latter's death as would have a family member; something repeated by his devoted student, Rav Zera, when he died. He was particularly known for his kindness in helping brides rejoice at their weddings.

Rav Shmuel b. Yose b. Bon lived in Israel during the wane of Torah study there. Nevertheless, he is mentioned in the Talmud Yerushalmi in several places.

R. Simlai first moved from Babylonia to Lud, but later moved to the Sanhedrin's seat in the Galilee, where he became an important scholar in Rabbi's court. He is known for his debates with Christians, as well as for his homiletical teachings.

R. Tanhuma b. Abba seems to have been a student of Rav Huna b. Avin, as he brings down several of his teachings. He was known for his piety and is noted to have had at least one interview with the Roman emperor.

R. Tarfon was a priest who lived at the time of the Temple's destruction and continued the practice of eating tithes even afterwards. He was a great scholar who frequently disagreed with R. Akiva, but was still his friend and ally. He is also known for his strong opposition to early Christianity.

R. Tzadok was an outstanding scholar during the time of R. Yochanan b. Zakkai. He is most famous for having fasted for forty years to avert the destruction of the Temple. He was healed by a Roman physician procured by Rabban Yochanan.

R. Ya'akov b. Idi lived in Tyre and was considered such a great expert in Jewish law that questions were sent to him even though he lived out of the way. He was a student of R. Yehoshua b. Levi and also of R. Yochanan.

R. Ya'akov b. Korshai was a confidante and teacher of Rabban Shimon b. Gamliel II and his son, R. Yehudah haNasi.

A prized student of R. Chiyya, R. Yannai married off his daughter to his teacher's son. A wealthy man, he supported some of his many students by having them work his lands. He was a prolific teacher and also composed prayers.

Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi was esteemed as the second most prominent student of Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai, establishing his own academy in Peki'in and emerging as a rival to Rabbi Eliezer. Despite his independent stance, Rabbi Yehoshua's disagreements with Rabban Gamliel led to eventual submission. This transformation elevated him to become the most influential scholar of his era.

R. Yehoshua b. Idi was one of Rav Idi's celebrated sons. In addition to being a scholar, he was also very careful about the words that came out of his mouth.

Some claim that R. Yehoshua b. Korcha was R. Akiva's son. Regardless, he was a noted teacher and R. Shimon bar Yochai's son, Elazar, was among his students . He lived to a prodigious old age, which he ascribed to never having looked an evil man in the face.

R. Yehoshua b. Levi, a third-century sage from the land of Israel, was known for his piety as well as his scholarship and is frequently quoted in the Talmud. He was a contemporary of R. Chiyya and the head of an academy in Lod. Among other things, he was known for his access to Elijah and his ability to negotiate with the angel of death.

R. Yehudah Nesi'a was the last Nasi to be both leader of the Academy and of the Jewish community in Palestine. Grandson of R. and son of Rabban Gamliel III, he emerged as a powerful leader at a difficult time. Mistrust of the aristocratic and lenient ways of the academy were growing, such that R. Yehudah often quelled challenges from within.

R. Yehudah Nesi'a II was the grandson of R. Yehudah Nesi'a I. He studied under R. Yochanan and depended upon him and R. Ami to come to many of his decisions. He promoted Torah education at a time when it was in decline.

R. Yehudah was one of the most prolific scholars of the Mishnaic period, cited almost 3,000 times in Tannaitic literature. He had several teachers but was likely closest to R. Tarfon. Due to his conciliatory attitude towards the Romans, they decreed that he speak first at rabbinic convocations.

R. Yehudah b. Bava was an important scholar who lived at the same time as R. Akiva. He was so exceptional in his piety, that when the Talmud mentions a certain pious man, the reference is almost always to him. He defied the persecutory Roman laws by ordaining students in a hidden location in the mountains. Caught in this act, he was killed by the Romans.

R. Yehudah b. Betera was a scholar and the head of an academy in Netzivin in northern Babylonia.

R. Yehudah b. Betera was a prominent teacher with an academy in Netzivin in Babylonia. He seems to have traveled a great deal and had prominent visitors come to him as well.

R. Yehudah b. Pazi was the son and student of R. Shimon b. Pazi. As he grew into an outstanding scholar and judge, other scholars would inquire about his father's teachings from him.

A student of R. Abuha and a colleague of R. Zera, R Yirmeyah was known for his humility as well as his exacting and outlandish questions. The latter got to the point where he was removed from the academy.

R. Yishmael (b. Elisha) was the head of an academy and intellectual rival of R. Akiva at a time of harsh Roman persecution. His teachings had an important impact on Jewish law and thought. Perhaps most famous among his teachings are his [thirteen exegetical principles], recited daily by many. The tannaitic midrashic works of the Mekhilta DeRabbi Yishmael and Sifrei Bamidbar are products of his school.

R. Yishmael b. Yohanan b. Berokah was a contemporary of R. Shimon b. Gamliel and is often cited together with him.

R. Yishmael b. Yose studied under his father, R. Yose b. Chalafta, and most of his many teachings are stated in the name of his father. He was a friend and study partner of R. Yehudah haNasi. At one point, he controversially worked for the Roman government catching thieves.

R. Yitzhak was a rabbi in Babylonia at the time of R. Yehudah haNasi. Together with R. Natan, he was involved in helping R. Yehudah haNasi maintain his office's influence over the community in Babylonia.

R. Yitzchak Nappacha was a student of R. Yochanan. When his academy moved to Caesarea, he moved to Babylonia, but eventually rejoined his colleagues. He was a renowned authority in both legal and homiletical matters.

R. Yitzchak b. Elazar was a much beloved teacher in Caesarea who taught in its old synagogue.

R. Yitzchak b. Nachman was a student of Shmuel in Nehardea, and then moved to Israel where he studied under R. Yehoshua B. Levi.

R. Yochanan studied under R. Yehudah haNasi and emerged as the next leader after his death. He directed the academy in Tiberias and set up the groundwork for the Jerusalem Talmud. His unusual beauty, sharpness and personal sufferings made him a captivating yet intimidating teacher. It was due to his personality and his unrivaled learning that the center of Torah study did not move to Babylonia during his lifetime.

R. Yohanan Hasandlar was born in Egypt, but moved to the Land of Israel where he became a devoted student of R. Akiva. Even when the latter was in a Roman jail, R. Yochanan found a way to come to him for instruction.

R. Yohanan b. Berokah was a student of R. Yehoshua. He does not appear frequently in the Talmud, but many of his statements present a minority view about women. For example, he taught that the commandment of procreation applies to women as well as to men.

R. Yohanan b. Nuri was a brilliant and pious member of Rabban Gamliel's academy in Yavneh. After finding out about his desperate poverty, R. Gamliel promoted him.

R. Yochanan b. Torta was a convert who became a scholar during the time of Rabbi Akiva. He went on record opposing the latter's faith in Bar Kochva or any other contemporary candidate to be the messiah.

R. Yonah studied under R. Yirmiyah and eventually became the head of the academy in Tiberias. He appears to have been a close colleague of R. Yose b. Zevida. When he heard of the death of this colleague's' son, R. Yonah fasted.

R. Yonatan b. Yosef was a devoted student of R. Yishmael, however he later was also influenced by the approach of R. Akiva.

R. Yose b. Chalafta learned from many teachers but was a disciple of R. Akiva. Preserving many traditions from his father, he served as an authority in transmitting them to his younger contemporaries. He is credited with the compilation of Seder Olam, the classical compendium of traditional history.

R. Yose b. Dormasquit was originally from Damascus, but came to Israel and studied under R. Eliezer.

R. Yose b. Kippar was a student of R. Elazar b. Shamu'a and was an emissary from the Land of Israel to the ascendant Jewish community in Babylonia.

A moderate scholar who lived during the Hadrianic persecutions, R Yose b. Kisma advocated accomodation with the Romans.

R. Yose b. Yehudah was the son of the famed R. Yehudah b. Il'ai, as well as his student. He was often involved in disputes with R. Yehudah haNasi, as well as with scholars of his father's generation.

There is only one mention of Rabbi Yose b. Yehudah of Kefar haBavli that we know about. But the fact that it is in Pirkei Avot attests to his stature. Though he lived in Israel, his ancestors were from Babylonia.

R. Yose b. Zevida was a lifelong friend, colleague and business partner of R. Yonah. He is also often quoted alongside R. Yose b. Avin. It has been suggested that when the Talmud Yerushalmi says R. Yose, it is referring to him.

Rabbi Yose b. haMeshualam was one of the main members of the holy assembly of Jerusalem that would split their time between Torah study and work. Another important member of this group was his colleague, R. Shimon b. Manasya.

R. Yose haGelili was a pious and independent-minded student of R. Akiva. He was prolific and his opinions are frequently cited. Among his many students was R. Elazar b. Azaryah.

A student of R. Yochanan b. Zakkai, R. Yose haKohen was known for his piety and his punctiliousness. He successfully delved into advanced Jewish mysticism

R. Yoshiah was a student of R. Yishmael and was often involved in disputes with R. Yonatan. It appears that he left Israel during the time of the Hadrianic persecutions, as we read about teaching at the academy of R. Yehudah b. Betirah in northern Babylonia..

R. Zera was a student of R. Yehudah b. Yehezkel in Babylonia. Yet he greatly yearned to move to the Land of Israel and fasted for 100 days before he could feel worthy to do so. There, he studied under R. Elazar b. Pedat and R. Abahu and became known as the Pious Man of Babylonia.

Rav Zerika cane from Babylonia, where he was a student of Rav Zerika; to Israel. where he studied under R. Abahu and other rabbis of the period in Israel. He was a colleague of Rabbi Yirmiayah.

Rabi (Rabbi Yehuda haNasi) succeeded his father, R. Shimon ben Gamliel as Nasi and was a key figure in Jewish history. A pious and brilliant scholar, he worked to further consolidate the authority of his office. His great wealth and his prestige among the Jews also impressed the Romans, resulting in many discussions with them. His greatest achievement, however, was his organization and compilation of Jewish Law in the Mishnah.

Rachava studied under Rav Yehudah in Pumbedita and became well known for his phenomenal memory. Though he died prematurely, he left two sons, Avimi and Eifa, who were also great scholars.

Rami b. Abba was probably a student of Rav Huna. He was a master of homiletics.

Rami b. Hama studied with Rava under Rav Chisda. Rami married his teacher's daughter first and, when he died prematurely, Rava married her as well. Rami was known for his keen logic that sometimes led him to hasty decisions.

Moving from Babylonia to Israel around the same time as his uncle, Rav Chiyya, Rav studied in Rabbi' Yehudah haNasi's academy. Not finding his place there, he moved back to eventually set up an academy in Sura. His academy came to rival Shmuel's academy in Nehardea, as the fame of Rav's wisdom and learning spread far and wide. Besides his many legal decisions and interpretations, he wrote many prayers that are still in use.

Rav Ada bar Ahava was a noted student of Rav. After the latter's death, he taught students in Pumbedita. He was known for his great piety, to the extent that he could easily request rain from God, and God would immediately grant it. In addition, the Talmud tells two stories about buildings waiting for him to leave before falling down.

R. Adda b. Ahava (II) was a very intimate and loyal student of Rava. Nevertheless, even he was occasionally upset by his student's antics, as were several other of his colleagues and teachers.

R. Aha was a teacher from Lod who was a colleague of R. Yehudah b. Pazzi. He is mentioned very frequently in the Jerusalem Talmud, but almost not at all in the Babylonian Talmud.

Rav Aha b. Rav Iqa was the nephew of R. Aha bar Ya'akov and is mentioned frequently in the Talmud, often together with his colleague, Rav Pappa.

Rav Aha b. Rava was a student and colleague of Ravina.

Rav Aha b. Ya'akov was an accomplished student of Rav Huna. His piety resulted in God's special protection for him and his prayers had great power. Nevertheless, the Talmud reports that he died from the jealousy of his colleagues.

Rav Ashi studied under the disciples of Abaye and Rava before becoming the head of one of the academies at the young age of fourteen. He held this position for sixty years, making him the prominent Jewish religious leader of his era. During the tolerant reigns succeeding Shapur II, Rav Ashi undertook the task of gathering and organizing all existing explanations of the Mishnah and its related texts. This monumental effort laid the foundation for the compilation of the Babylonian Talmud.

Rav Assi was a highly respected colleague of Rav, to whom Rav deferred on more than one occasion. His misunderstanding of Rav's last request to him led him to a war of words with Shela, and ultimately cost him his life. Nevertheless, he was known for his piety.

R. Assi is one of the names mentioned most frequently in the Babylonian and Jerusalem Talmud. R. Assi studied under Shmuel in Babylonia before coming to study together with R. Ami in the academy of R. Yochanan in Tiberias. The Babylonian Talmud reports that when he died, all trees were uprootsd (Moed Katan 25b), while the Jerusalem Talmud records that on that day a fountain of Tiberias fell (Avodah Zarah 3:1).

Rav Bivi b. Abaye was the son of Abaye and the head judge in Pumbedita. Nevertheless, his colleagues often strongly disagreed with him.

Rav Chisda studied under Rav and Rav Huna in Sura. He eventually got into a quarrel with the latter, causing him to leave and set up his own academy in the town of Kafri. After many years, they both regretted this and reconciled.

Rav Chiya b.Ashi was a student of Rav and was his personal assistant. Hence he was able to pass on many accounts of Rav's practices, which were used as legal precedents.

Rav Dimi was a student of Rabbi Yochanan who transmitted many of his teachings and those of others in Israel to the teachers of Babylonia, where he eventually settled. The Talmud often reports his discussions with Abaye.

Rav Dimi of Nehardea had been a merchant before he became the head of the academy in Pumbedita. Only a few of his teachings were recorded.

Rav Geviha of Bei Katil was a student of Rava and grew in prominence until he became the head of the academy in Pumbedita. He told over much of what he knew to Rav Ashi and helped him, in this way, put together the Talmud.

Rav Giddel was a student of Rav who is often quoted citing his teacher. When the latter died, he first became a student of Rav Huna, but then moved to Israel to study under R. Yochanan.

Rav Hama was a disciple of Rav Chisda and lived at the same time as Abaye and Rava. He became the head of an academy and held discussions with King Shapur II of Persia.

Rav Hama b. Gurya was a student of Rav and cites him almost every time he is quoted in the Talmud, many times about proper behavior. Among his students was R. Chelbo.

Rav Hamnuna was a devoted student of Rav, whose teachings he perpetuated. He was later a student of Rav Huna and a student-colleague of Rav Chisda.

Rav Hanan b. Rava was the son-in-law of Rav and the father-in-law of Rav Chisda.

Rav Hiyya b. Rav studied under his father, Rav, and the latter's students. He was Rav's only son to become a Torah scholar, and he, in turn, also had a son who became a leading Torah scholar.

Rav Huna, originally a disciple of Rav, later succeeded him as the head of the academy in Sura after a period without a leader. His profound scholarship and the diminishing influence of the center in Palestine prompted the Babylonian community to forge a more autonomous path. However, in financial matters, Rav Huna instructed his students to adhere to the rulings of Rav Nachman.

Rav Huna b. Avin studied under Rav Yosef in Babylonia, but then moved to Israel, where he studied under Rabbi Yirmiyah. There, he became one of the rabbinic leaders of the time and was very much involved in adjusting months and years on the calendar. When Roman persecutions intensified, he sent instructions about it to the rabbis in Babylonia and hid in a cave.

Rav Huna b. R. Yehoshua also studied under Abaye and Rava and was Rav Pappa's partner in study and in business. He thus assisted Rav Pappa in leading the new academy in Naresh.

Rav Idi b. Avin was a student of Rav Chisda and passed on many teachings from the Land of Israel. He was a colleague of Abaye and a leading teacher in his day. He had both illustrious students, like Rav Pappa, and children, like Rav Sheshet.

Rav Kahana (I) studied under Rav, but along with Rav Kahana's colleague, Rav Asi, he never took on his approach. Late in his life, he moved to Israel and had discussions with the sons of R. Chiyya.

Rav Kahana was an important student of Rav in Babylonia. He executed another Jew based on Jewish law, and hence had to flee to Israel. He then studied with R. Yochanan, who voiced his great admiration for him after initially misjudging him and thinking that he was disrespectful.

Rav Kahana (III) was a student of Rav Yehudah b. Yechezkel and then of Rabbah b. Nachmani in Babylonia. He studied under the latter together with Rav Safra, with whom he moved to Israel, where they studied under R. Abahu. Rav Kahana however moved back to Babylonia and established an academy in Pum-Nahara. It is there that he taught Rav Ashi.

Rav Kahana (IV) was a cousin and contemporary of Rav Ashi. He served as the head of the court in Pum Nahara and eventually became the head of the academy in Pumbedita.

Rav Ketina was a highly respected teacher in Babylonia and his teachings are brought down by several rabbis such as Rav Chisda.

Rav Matenah was a student of Shmuel and became an expert in the decisions of his teacher, together with Rav Matenah's contemporary, Rav Yehudah. He was the rabbi in the town of Paphunya, near Pumbedita.

Rav Mesharshiya was a student of Rava and a colleague of Rav Pappa. He was known for his piety, which no doubt helps to explain that his three sons also became great scholars in the academy or Rav Ashi.

R. Nachman was a flamboyant but brilliant judge in Nehardea. His family connection to the exilarch and his wealth gave him special clout among the scholars. He lived a long life

Rav Nahman b. Hisda was the son of Rav Hisda, but most of his studies were under Rav Nahman b. Ya'akov. He became the rabbi of the town of Drokart in Babylonia, but humbled himself there to the greater Torah knowledge of Rav Nahman b. Yitzchak.

Rav Nachman b. Yitzchak was a student of the main teachers of his time and became the head of the academy in Pumbedita after Rava. He was also known for his great piety.

Rav Pappa studied under Abaye and Rava, among others. He was wealthy and established his own academy in Naresh, not far from Sura. He is often remembered for his pithy aphorisms.

Rav Pappi was the son-in-law of R. Yitzchak Nappaha and a student of Rava. He was a colleague of Rav Pappa and taught Ravina and Rav Ashi.

Rav Shesha b. Idi was a student of his father and had discussions with Abaye.

Rav Sheshet studied under Rav Huna and Rav Chisda and was noted for his tremendous memory and expertise, so much so that his views are often seen as authoritative. His relations with the exilarch were acrimonious and he always found a way not to eat when he had to visit the latter's court.

Rav Yehudah studied under Rav until he died and eventually went to study under Shmuel, with whom he had a more complicated relationship. After Shmuel died, he established an academy in Pumbedita, which eventually became the leading center of the Babylonian community. He further consolidated the independence of the Jewish center in Babylonia.

Rav Yeimar was a notable scholar who became the head of the academy in Sura after Rav Ashi.

Rav Yirmeyah b. Abba was a devoted student of Rav and later studied under Shmuel.

Rav Yitzchak b. Yosef was a student of R. Abahu, but eventually made his way to Babylonia. There, he was a repository of the teaching from Israel and was in conversation with Abaye.

A contemporary of Rabbah, Rav Yosef became the head of the academy in Pumpedita after Rabbah's death. He was known for his humility and for his mastery of the corpus of Jewish law. While wealthy, Rav Yosef had health issues which brought him blindness and the loss of memory.

Rav Zevid was a devoted colleague of Abaye, so much so that he was possibly poisoned due to his strong insistence that normative practice should follow Abaye's decisions.

Rava is renowned for his debates with Abaye. Having studied under several teachers, he eventually became the head of the academy in Mechuza, where he attracted numerous students. He was affluent and, on occasion, successfully advocated for the Jewish community with the mother of King Shapur II of Persia.

Born an orphan, Ravin (usually known as Rabbi Bon in the Talmud Yerushalmi) studied under R. Il'ai, Rabbi Abahu and other rabbis of the time. He was one of the rabbis who brought the teachings of Israel to Babylonia. Though he eventually settled in Babylonia and was greatly respected by his peers there, he returned to Israel near the end of his life.

Ravina was Rav Ashi's major assistant in compiling the Babylonian Talmud. Though older than Rav Ashi, Ravina saw the latter as his teacher. He spent his early years studying under Rava and frequently cited him. While he headed an academy for a very short time, he did much of his teaching on the road. He was also known for his compassion for others.

Ravina (II) b. Huna lost his father as a small child and was raised by Ravina (I). He was a colleague of Mar b. Rav Ashi and was the head of the academy in Sura for a short time. His death is considered the end of the era of the Amoraim-teachers of the Talmud.

As the head of the Sanhedrin (the Jewish court), Shammai served as Hillel’s colleague, as well as his intellectual rival. He studied under Avtalyon and Shemaya and was a pious and punctilious defender of the tradition. His many students were known to be even sharper than those of Hillel.

Shimon b. Chalafta came from an illustrious family and was a regular at R. Yehudah haNasi's academy. There he developed a close friendship with R. Yehudah's son, Shimon, and with the academy's leading student, R. Chiyya. In spite of his lineage, he subsisted on little until helped by R. Chiyya.

During the tumultuous reign of Alexander Yannai, the third pair of the Zugot, Yehudah ben Tabbai and Shimon ben Shetach, faced significant challenges. Despite being Yannai's brother-in-law, Shimon had to go into hiding during Yannai's persecution of the Pharisees, while Yehudah fled to Egypt. Nonetheless, Shimon successfully wrested control of the Sanhedrin from the Sadducees.

R. Shimon bar Yochai was a sage who lived in second-century Palestine. A student of R. Akiva, he emerged as a significant scholar in the subsequent generation. Through his involvement in mysticism and his reputed authorship of the Zohar, he left an important legacy. His negative attitude towards the Romans forced him and his son to hide in a cave for 13 years, sharpening his ascetic and mystical aptitudes.

A scholar in Rabban Gamliel's academy in Yavneh, Shimon haPaqoli was given the task of redacting the Amidah prayer. According to some, his unusual name indicates that he worked with cotton.

Shimon HaTimni was a scholar that lived during the time of R. Akiva and was a colleague of R. Yehudah b. Baba.

Shmuel also left his native Babylonia to study at Rabbi's academy. Coming back before Rav and outliving him, Shmuel established Neharedea as the leading center of Torah study in Babylonia. Besides his Torah scholarship, Shmuel was famous for being an astronomer and physician and was honored by King Shapur I of Persia.

Shmuel the Little was a scholar known for his great humility and concern for others. Hence he was chosen to compose the text of a blessing (in the Amidah prayer) calling for the elimination of those endangering the Jewish people.

Summakhos was a devoted and gifted student of R. Meir. Besides his knowledge of Jewish law, he was known for his command of Greek.

Ulla studied under R. Elazar b. Pedat and was a frequent contributor to discussions in the Talmud. Though he was from the Land of Israel, he made many trips to Babylonia to help the scholars there.

Yehoshua b. Perachya and Nittai haArbeli served as Nasi and head of the court under Yochanan the High Priest. When the latter turned against the Pharisees, Yehoshua - and presumably Nittai - temporarily fled to Egypt and became leader of the large Jewish community in Alexandria.

R. Chiyya's two sons, Yehudah b. Chiyya and Chizkiyah b. Chiyya, came with him from Babylonia to Palestine as young adults. Already known for their scholarship, they added distinction to Rabbi's academy. They died prematurely and were buried on either side of their father.

The third of the pairs, Yehudah b. Tabbai and Shimon b. Shetach served during the tumultuous reign of Alexander Yannai. Though Yannai's brother-in-law, Shimon had to hide at the height of Yannai's persecution of the Pharisees; while Yehudah fled to Egypt. Nevertheless, Shimon wrested control of the Sanhedrin away from the Sadducees.

Not much is known about R. Yehudah b. Tema, but he is described as a master of the Mishnah. He was a student of R. Yehuda haNasi.

R. Yohanan b. Dahavai was apparently a student of R. Yehudah b. Tema. Only a few of his teachings are recorded, but he is most famous for revealing a teaching he received from angels.

Yose b. Yoezer and Yose b. Yochanan served as the first of the zugot (pairs), with the first being Nasi (religious leader) and the second the head of the court. They served after Antigonos in a period of intense Hellenization and war, and promulgated several leniencies to encourage Jews to keep the law under these difficult conditions.

Yose b. Yoezer and Yose b. Yochanan served as the first of the zugot (pairs), with the first being Nasi (religious leader) and the second the head of the court. They served after Antigonos in a period of intense Hellenization and war, and promulgated several leniencies to encourage Jews to keep the law under these difficult conditions.

Ze'iri was a scholar from Babylonia who came to Israel and studied under R. Yochanan. He was known for his particularly stringent approach to the importance of lineage when it came to marriage. Among his several student was Rav Dimmil

An interlocutor of R. Akiva and R. Yishmael, (R. Shimon) Ben Nannas was known for his great expertise in monetary law.

[Rav] Hiyya b. Yosef was a student of Rav who would exchange Rav's teaching with Shmuel's responses. When Rav died, he studied under Shmuel and then went to Israel, where he taught and studied with R. Yochanan, again bringing the teachings of Rav.

[Shimon] Ben Azzai was a student of R. Tarfon and R. Yehoshua before becoming an extremely dedicated student of R. Akiva. His opinions are often quoted, and his love for Torah was so great that he did not want to interrupt its study even to raise a family. He died as a result of "entering the orchard" and seeking too much mystical enlightenment.

Much of [Shimon] Ben Zoma's career paralleled that of his namesake, Shimon ben Azzai. He too studied under R. Yehoshua before becoming one of R. Akiva's greatest students. He too was overwhelmed when "entering the orchard."

Ben Bag Bag was an early scholar who was considered to be very learned.

Rafram (I) was the son of Rav Pappa and a student of Rav Hisda. He eventually became the head of the academy in Pumbedita.