"If soft water cuts hard stone, the words of Torah can penetrate my heart."

a. 1st and 2nd centuries C.E. - saw destruction of Jerusalem

b. Considered by many scholars to be the outstanding scholar and community leader of his time

c. His love story--a poor shepherd who fell in love with the daughter of a wealthy landowner--is in the Talmud

d. Began his studies at age 40

e. Stressed humility, charity, and service to others

f. Was martyred during Bar Kokhba revolt (132-135 C.E.) while reciting the Shema prayer

"If all Israel would properly observe two Sabbaths according to Torah teachings, they would at once be redeemed" (b. Shabbat 118b).

a. 2nd century C.E.

b. One of the five principle disciples of Rabbi Akiva

c. Survived the Bar Kokhba revolt and helped revive teachings of Judaism after the defeat

d. Believed God had given Jews three precious gifts: Torah, the land of Israel, and the world to come

e. Suffering has a purpose and can possess a redemptive quality

"Lesson your toil for worldly goods and be busy in the Torah. Be humble of spirit before all people" (Avot 4:12).

a. 2nd century C.E.

b. One of the leaders of the Jewish community of faith following Bar Kokhba revolt

c. Most quoted scholar in the Mishnah

d. Stressed study, work, and prayer