"If you have learned much Torah, do not ascribe special merit to yourself because it was for this reason that you were created" (Avot 2:9).

a. Was a younger contemporary of Jesus

b. Survived destruction of the temple and Jerusalem in 70 C.E.

c. Established a study center in Yavneh (Yavneh became a major center of Jewish scholarship and culture)

d. Was a disciple of Hillel the Elder

e. Emphasized loving God and showing a sincere love for others (even the hostile Romans)

f. Read more about Yochanen ben Zakhai

"An evil eye [stinginess], an evil impulse, and hatred of other people drive a person out of the world" (Avot 2:16).

a. One of the five disciples of Yochanen ben Zakhai

b. Was about 30 years old when temple in Jerusalem was destroyed

c. Often disputed with Rabbi Eliezer ben Hyrcanus due to different view of Bible interpretation

d. Emphasized humility and an attitude of kindness toward others

"The one who has bread in his basket today and says, 'What will I eat tomorrow?' behold, that one is of little faith" (b. Sotah 48b).

a. One of the five disciples of Yochanen ben Zakhai

b. With Rabbi Joshua ben Chananyah, carried their master, Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakhai [who was pretending to be dead], out of besieged Jerusalem in a coffin

c. Possessed extensive knowledge of early Jewish tradition and ancient legal lore

Rabbi Eliezer ben Hyrcanus:

Rabbi Simeon ben Nathaniel:

"A good eye."

"One who sees what will be."

Rabbi Joshua ben Chananya:

Rabbi Eleazar ben Arakh:

"A good companion."

"A good heart."

Rabbi Yose the Priest:

"A good neighbor."

"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

Rabbi Meir: The most quoted sage in the Mishnah

Rabbi Judah Bar Ilai: First to establish as a rule a single witness as a condition for a widow to remarry.

Rabbi Yose Ben Chalaftah: Co-leader with Judah Ha Nasi

Rabbi Eleazar Ben Shammua: Known as the happiest of the sages. "Let the honor given to your disciple be as precious to you as your own."

Rabbi Simeon Bar Yochai: Judah Ha Nasi studied under him

a. 2nd century C.E.

b. Wife of Rabbi Meir and daughter of Rabbi Chananyah ben Teradeyon

c. Scholar, activist, and spiritual leader who engaged in halakhic discussion with the leading rabbis of the time

"The day is short, the work is plentiful, and the laborers are lazy; but the reward is great and the Householder is pushing hard" (Avot 2:20).

a. 1st and 2nd century C.E.

b. Respected colleague of Rabbi Akiva

c. Known for extensive knowledge of Scripture, Mishnah, midrash, Aggadah, and legal lore

d. Believed action took precedence over study

"If a person is traveling and has no companion, let that one become immersed in Torah learning...if a person has a head ache, let that one become immersed in Torah learning...if a personal feels throat pain, let that one become immersed in Torah learning" (b. Eruvin 54a).

a. Beginning of third century C.E., during transition from Tannaim to Amoraim

b. Leading scholar, preacher, and interpreter or Torah

c. Lived in Israel

d. Head of the academy at Lydda

e. Praised humility for drawing near to the divine presence

f. Told stories with a message

Said that one should pray continually and that prayers should be recited in Hebrew because the ministering angels who deliver the prayers do not understand Aramaic (b Berakhot 21a and b. Shabbat 12b).

a. Second half of third century C.E.

b. Lived in Israel

c. Sold his inheritance to study Torah

d. Head of the academy in Tiberias

e. Major influence in compilation of Jerusalem Talmud

f. Emphasized charity, Torah study, and prayer

"Every day a person's evil impulse threatens to control him or her, and tries to destroy him or her" (b. Sukkah 52b)

a. Was a contemporary of Rabbi Yochanan

b. Convert to Judaism who became a great Torah scholar

c. Colorful and wild youthful escapades, including being a gladiator

d. Later became a model of piety, scholarship, and a holy lifestyle

e. Recognized the force of the evil impulse

"Each person is destined to give an account for all that his or her eye saw but has not eaten" (y. Kiddushin ch. 4, hal. 12, 66d).

a. Babylonian Amora at beginning of third century

b. Studied in Israel under Rabbi Judah the Prince and Rabbi Yochanan

c. Returned to Babylon to serve Jewish community during Diaspora

d. Established and headed academy at Sura (modern day Iraq)

e. Taught that God created the world and pronounced His work good. We will be judged not only for sins committed, but for pleasures neglected because of false religious abstinence

"Every person who is full of arrogance will in the end be humbled" (b. Sotah 5a).

a. 335-428 C.E.

b. Outstanding scholar and leader of community in Babylon

c. Head of academy at Sura

d. edited the Babylonian Talmud, supported by Rabina (last of Amoraic sages)

e. Stressed a humble attitude in personal conduct