Rabban Shimon b. Gamliel (II)

Talmudic Figures

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.

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Leadership Under Persecution

REFERENCE

Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel II had to navigate the challenges of Roman persecution, which directly impacted Jewish religious practices. Gershom Bader’s early 20th-century biography provides a detailed account of Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel II’s leadership and the Roman decrees that targeted Jewish observances.

AS A RESULT of the renewed persecution of the Jewish faith which became effective after the death of emperor Antoninus Pius, Rabban Simeon ben Gamliel the Second had to move his academy from Usha to Shefarom. The new decrees which were promulgated during the joint reign of Lucius Varus and Marcus Aurelius did not strike at the study of the Torah but only at the observance of its commandments, particularly as they concerned the observance of the Sabbath and the practice of circumcision. When Rabban Simeon ben Gamliel II died, his son Rabbi Jehudah was appointed Nasi…

The Jewish Spiritual Heroes, Volume I; The Creators of the Mishna, Rabbi Jehudah the Nasi 1

Establishing Hierarchy in the Sanhedrin

TALMUD

Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel established a clear hierarchy within the Sanhedrin, emphasizing the distinct deference owed to the Nasi compared to other positions. The Talmudic tractate Horayot discusses the protocols of deference and the hierarchical distinctions within the Sanhedrin, particularly focusing on the roles of the Nasi, Rabbi Meir, and Rabbi Natan.

§ Rabbi Yoḥanan says: This mishna, i.e., the preceding baraita, was taught during the days of Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel. Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel was the Nasi, Rabbi Meir was the Ḥakham, and Rabbi Natan was the deputy Nasi. When Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel was there, everyone would arise before him. When Rabbi Meir and Rabbi Natan would enter, everyone would arise before them. Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel said: Shouldn’t there be a conspicuous distinction between me and them in terms of the manner in which deference is shown?…

Horayot 13b:11

Livedתקופת פעילות

Tannaim - Fifth Generation

c.135 – c.170 CE

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Rabi

Teacherמורה

Rabbi Yehudah [b. Il'ai]

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