Difference between revisions of "Shimon bar Yochai" - New World Encyclopedia

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Shimon was said to possess fearful prophetic powers. For example, to discredit Shimon a certain [[Samaritan]] secretly replaced one of the bodies removed from Tiberias. Shimon learned of the deed through the power of the [[Holy Spirit]] and declared: "Let what is above go down, and what is below come up." Legend holds that the Samaritan soon died and was buried, while a schoolteacher who mocked Shimon for his declaration was turned into a heap of bones. Likewise, when he observed people neglecting the [[Torah]], he smote them by his glances. One of the victims of Shimon's wrath was his former Simeon's  Judah ben Gerim, who had earlier informed the Roman's of his allegedly treasonous remarks.
 
Shimon was said to possess fearful prophetic powers. For example, to discredit Shimon a certain [[Samaritan]] secretly replaced one of the bodies removed from Tiberias. Shimon learned of the deed through the power of the [[Holy Spirit]] and declared: "Let what is above go down, and what is below come up." Legend holds that the Samaritan soon died and was buried, while a schoolteacher who mocked Shimon for his declaration was turned into a heap of bones. Likewise, when he observed people neglecting the [[Torah]], he smote them by his glances. One of the victims of Shimon's wrath was his former Simeon's  Judah ben Gerim, who had earlier informed the Roman's of his allegedly treasonous remarks.
 
  
 
Shimon later settled Meron, near present-day [[Safed]]. He is also said to have established a flourishing school at Tekoa, probably in Galilee rather than the biblical town of the same name in the territory of [[tribe of Judah|Judah]], and thought by some to be identical with Meron.
 
Shimon later settled Meron, near present-day [[Safed]]. He is also said to have established a flourishing school at Tekoa, probably in Galilee rather than the biblical town of the same name in the territory of [[tribe of Judah|Judah]], and thought by some to be identical with Meron.
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Shimon displayed a notable sense of spiritual self-confidence. He said, for instance that if there were only two people allowed to enter heaven, he and his son would be the two (Suk. 45b; Sanh. 97b). He is also credited with saying that, together with his son and the ancient King [[Jotham]] of Judah (in alternate versions, [[Abraham]] or [[Ahijah of Shiloh]] are mentioned instead) he would be able to free the world from God's judgment (Suk. l.c.; comp. Yer. Ber. ix. 13d and Gen. R. xxxv. 3). On account of his exceptional piety and continual study of the Law, Shimon came to be seen as one of those whose merit preserves the world, and therefore during his life the rainbow was never seen because promise of God's forbearance was not needed (Yer. Ber. l.c.).
 
Shimon displayed a notable sense of spiritual self-confidence. He said, for instance that if there were only two people allowed to enter heaven, he and his son would be the two (Suk. 45b; Sanh. 97b). He is also credited with saying that, together with his son and the ancient King [[Jotham]] of Judah (in alternate versions, [[Abraham]] or [[Ahijah of Shiloh]] are mentioned instead) he would be able to free the world from God's judgment (Suk. l.c.; comp. Yer. Ber. ix. 13d and Gen. R. xxxv. 3). On account of his exceptional piety and continual study of the Law, Shimon came to be seen as one of those whose merit preserves the world, and therefore during his life the rainbow was never seen because promise of God's forbearance was not needed (Yer. Ber. l.c.).
  
His Halakot.
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==Teachings==
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Shimon bar Yochai [[halakha|legal opinions]] are very numerous and can be found in most of the treatises of the [[Talmud]]. Although he admired his teacher [[Akiva]], he declared his own interpretations to be superior (Sifre, Deut. 31; R. H. 18b). Nor did he refrain from criticizing the [[tannaim]] of the preceding generations (comp. Tosef., Oh. iii. 8, xv. 11).
 +
 
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The particular characteristic of Shimon's teaching his concern to express the underlying reasons for various biblical and [[halakha|halakhic]] commands. This sometimes resulted in a modification of the command in question. For example, in the prohibition against taking a widow's raiment in pledge (Deut. 24:17) said that the reason for such a prohibition was that if such a pledge were taken it would be necessary to return it every evening, and going to the widow's home every morning and evening might compromise her reputation. Consequently, he declared the prohibition applies only in the case of a poor widow, since one who is rich would not need to have the garment returned in the evening (B. M. l.c.).
  
Simeon's halakot are very numerous; they are met with in all the treatises of the Talmud except Berakot, Ḥallah, Ta'anit, Nedarim, Tamid, and Middot. He greatly valued the teaching of his master Akiba, and he is reported to have recommended his pupils to follow his own system of interpretation ("middot") because it was derived from that of Akiba (Giṭ. 67a). But this itself shows that Simeon did not follow his teacher in every point; indeed, as is shown below, he often differed from Akiba, declaring his own interpretations to be the better (Sifre, Deut. 31; R. H. 18b). He was independent in his halakic decisions, and did not refrain from criticizing the tannaim of the preceding generations (comp. Tosef., Oh. iii. 8, xv. 11). He and Jose b. Ḥalafta were generally of the same opinion; but sometimes Simeon sided with Meïr (Kelim iii. 5; Me'i. 11a). Like the other pupils of Akiba, who, wishing to perpetuate the latter's teaching, systematized it in the foundation of the Mishnah (R. Meïr), Tosefta (R. Nehemiah), and Sifra (R. Judah), Simeon is credited with the authorship of the Sifre (Sanh. 86a) and of the Mekilta de-Rabbi Shim'on, the former work being a halakic midrash to Numbers and Deuteronomy, the latter a similar midrash to Exodus.
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Because of his association with this form of interpretation, Shimon's contemporaries often appealed to him when they wanted to know the reason for certain halakot (Tosef., Zeb. i. 8). He also compiled a number of general rules summarizing various types of commandments  (Bik. iii. 10; Zeb. 119b et al.). His approached was systematic and clear in its expression (Sheb. ii. 3; 'Er. 104b). Although was dogmatic in his halakic decisions, where there was a doubt as to which of two courses should be followed he admitted the legality of either course (Yeb. iii. 9).
(see image) Traditional Tomb of Simeon ben Yoḥai During a Pilgrimage.(From a photograph.)
 
  
The particular characteristic of Simeon's teaching was that whether in a halakah or in a haggadic interpretation of a Biblical command, he endeavored to find the underlying reason therefor (B. M. 115a et al.). This often resulted in a material modification of the command in question. From many instances the following may be taken: In the prohibition against taking a widow's raiment in pledge (Deut.xxiv. 17) it was Judah b. Ila'i's opinion that no difference is to be made between a rich and a poor widow. But Simeon gives the reason for such a prohibition, which was that if such a pledge were taken it would be necessary to return it every evening (comp. Ex. xxii. 25-26), and going to the widow's home every morning and evening might compromise her reputation; consequently, he declares, the prohibition applies only in the case of a poor widow, since one who is rich would not need to have the garment returned in the evening (B. M. l.c.).
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Shimon is also a prominent figure in the non-legal texts that constitute the [[Aggadah]]. Many of his sayings there relate to the study of the [[Torah]], which he held should be the main object of man's life. He placed greate stress on the importance of prayer, and particularly on the reading of the ''[[Shema]]'', However, he also declared prayer must not interrupt the study of the Torah (Yer. Ḥag. ii. 77a).
  
Simeon's name was widely identified with this halakic principle of interpretation, and his teacher Akiba approved of it; therefore his contemporaries often applied to him when they wished to know the reason for certain halakot (Tosef., Zeb. i. 8). Simeon also divided the oral law into numbered groups, of which fifteen are preserved in the Talmud. He especially favored the system of giving general rules, of which there are a great number (Bik. iii. 10; Zeb. 119b et al.). All this shows that he was systematic, and that he had the power of expressing himself clearly (Sheb. ii. 3; 'Er. 104b). He was dogmatic in his halakic decisions, but where there was a doubt as to which of two courses should be followed, and the Rabbis adopted a compromise, he admitted the legality of either course (Yeb. iii. 9). He differed from Akiba in that he did not think that particles like "et," "gam," and others contain in themselves indications of halakot (Men. 11b); but in many instances he showed that he was opposed to R. Ishmael's opinion that the Torah speaks as men do and that seemingly pleonastic words can never serve as the basis for deducing new laws (Sifre, Re'eh, 119; R. H. 8b; Zeb. 108b et al.).
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Shimon believed, however, that more essential to a true spiritual life than Torah study and prayer is ethical action. He recognized that careful study of the Torah and of providing a livelihood at the same time may prevent those without wealth from attain the "crown" of scholarship. (Mek., Beshallaḥ, Wayeḥi, 1, Wayassa', 2). "There are three crowns," he says, "but the crown of a good name mounts above them all."
  
Simeon is very prominent also in the Haggadah, and his utterances are numerous in both Talmuds. Many of his sayings bear on the study of the Torah, which, according to him, should be the main object of man's life. Notwithstanding the stress he laid on the importance of prayer, and particularly on the reading of the "Shema'," he declared that one must not, for the sake of either, interrupt the study of the Torah (Yer. Ḥag. ii. 77a). "There are three crowns," he says, "the first being that of the Torah" (Ab. iv. 13); he completes his sentence with the words, "But the crown of a good name mounts above them all," showing that, in addition to studying the Law, one must execute the commands by which he can acquire a good name. The Torah, also, is one of the three good gifts which God gave to Israel and which can not be preserved without suffering (Mek., Yitro, Baḥodesh, 10; Sifre, Deut. 32; Ber. 5a). But recognizing the difficulty of occupying oneself with the study of the Torah and of providing a livelihood at the same time, Simeon said that the Torah was given only for those who ate the manna or the priestly meals (Mek., Beshallaḥ, Wayeḥi, 1, Wayassa', 2). He declared also that had he been on Mount Sinai when God delivered the Torah to Israel, he would have requested two mouths for man, one to be used exclusively as a means for repeating and thus learning the Torah. But then he added, "How great also would be the evil done by delators ["moserim") with two mouths!" (Yer. Shab. i. 3a, b; Yer. Ber. i. 3b).
 
  
His Ethical Views.
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Simeon viewed God as willing to forgive those who truly repented of the sins. "So great is the power of repentance," he said, "that a man who has been during his lifetime very wicked, if he repent toward the end, is considered a perfectly righteous man" (Tosef., Ḳid. i. 14; Ḳid. 40b; Cant. R. v. 16). He was particularly decried the sin of haughtiness, which he said is like idolatry (Soṭah 4b). "One should rather throw himself into a burning furnace than shame a neighbor in public," he declared (Ber. 43b). He also denounced the crimes of usury, deceitful dealing, and disturbing domestic peace (Yer. B. M. 10d; B. M. 58b; Lev. R. ix.).
  
Among Simeon's many other utterances may be mentioned those with regard to repentance, and some of his ethical sayings. "So great is the power of repentance that a man who has been during his lifetime very wicked ["rasha' gamur"], if he repent toward the end, is considered a perfectly righteous man" (Tosef., Ḳid. i. 14; Ḳid. 40b; Cant. R. v. 16). He was particularly severe against haughtiness, which, he declared, is like idolatry (Soṭah 4b), and against publicly shaming one's neighbor: "One should rather throw himself into a burning furnace than shame a neighbor in public" (Ber. 43b). He denounced the crimes of usury, deceitful dealing, and disturbing domestic peace (Yer. B. M. 10d; B. M. 58b; Lev. R. ix.). His animosity toward the Gentiles generally and toward feminine superstition is expressed in the following utterance: "The best of the heathen merits death; the best of serpents should have its head crushed; and the most pious of women is prone to sorcery" (Yer. Ḳid. iv. 66c; Massek. Soferim xv. 10; comp. Mek., Beshallaḥ, Wayeḥi, 1, and Tan., Wayera, 20). His hostility to the Romans, mentioned above, is expressed also in his maxims; thus, alluding probably to the Parthian war which broke out in the time of Antoninus Pius, he said: "If thou hast seen a Persian [Parthian] horse tied in Palestine, then hope for the arrival of the Messiah" (Cant. R. viii. 10; Lam. R. i. 13).
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Shimon's patriotism, developed through the horrors of the massacre of countless Jewish during the Bar Kochaba revolt, led him to express general animosity toward the [[Gentile]]s: "The best of the heathen merits death," he declared." Nor was he a defender of the general character of women: "The most pious of women is prone to sorcery." (Yer. Ḳid. iv. 66c; Massek. Soferim xv. 10; comp. Mek., Beshallaḥ, Wayeḥi, 1, and Tan., Wayera, 20). However, he apparently saw the Persians as possible liberators of the Jews. Probably alluding to the Parthian war which broke out in the time of [[Antoninus Pius]], he said: "If you see a Persian horse tied in Palestine, then (you may) hope for the arrival of the Messiah." (Cant. R. viii. 10; Lam. R. i. 13)
  
R. Simeon combined with his rationalism in halakah a strange mysticism in his haggadic teachings, as well as in his practise. He spoke of a magic sword, on which the Name was inscribed, being given by God to Moses on Sinai (Midr. Teh. to Ps. xc. 2; comp. ib. to Ps. xxxvi. 8; Gen. R. xxxv.); and he ascribed all kinds of miraculous powers to Moses (Me'i. 17b; Sanh. 97b). After his death he appeared to the saints in their visions (B. M. 84b; Ket. 77b; Sanh. 98a). Thus his name became connected with mystic lore, and he became a chief authority for the cabalists; for this reason the Zohar first appeared under the name of Midrash de-Rabbi Shim'on ben Yoḥai (see Zohar). There exist, besides, two apocryphal midrashim ascribed to this tanna (published by Jellinek, "B. H." iii. 78 et seq., iv. 117 et seq.). The first is entitled "Nistarot de-R. Shim'on b. Yoḥai"; the second, "Tefillat R. Shim'on b. Yoḥai"; both of them bear on the Messianic time, but the second is more complete. The main point of these midrashim is that while Simeon was hidden in the cavern, he fasted forty days and prayed to God to rescue Israel from such persecutions. Then Meṭaṭron revealed to him the future, announcing the various Mohammedan rulers, the last one of whom would perish at the hands of the Messiah. As in similar Messianic apocrypha, the chief characters are Armilus and the three Messiahs—Messiah b. Joseph, Messiah b. Ephraim, and Messiah b. David.
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Shimon combined with his rationalism in [[halakha]] with a certain [[mysticism]] in his non-legal teachings, as well as in his personal practice. He spoke of a magic sword, on which the [[names of God in Judaism|Name of God]] was inscribed, being given by God to Moses on Sinai (Midr. Teh. to Ps. xc. 2). He also ascribed all kinds of miraculous powers to Moses beyond those mentioned in the Torah (Me'i. 17b; Sanh. 97b).
  
As to the festival called "Hillula de-Rabbi Shim'on ben Yoḥai," which is celebrated on Simeon's supposed tomb at Meron, on the 18th of Iyyar, see 'Omer, Lag be-; Pilgrimage.
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After Shimon's death, he appeared to many Jewish saints in their visions (B. M. 84b; Ket. 77b; Sanh. 98a). Thus his name became connected with mystic lore, and he became a chief authority for the the Kabbalists. For this reason, the [[Zohar]] first appeared under the name of ''Midrash de-Rabbi Shim'on ben Yoḥai''. Two other  apocryphal tests are also ascribed to him. The first is entitled ''Nistarot de-R. Shim'on b. Yoḥai''; the second, ''Tefillat R. Shim'on b. Yoḥai''. The main point of these texts is that while Shimon was hidden in the cavern, he fasted 40 days and prayed to God to rescue Israel from such persecutions. A powerful angel revealed to him the future, announcing even the various Muslim rulers, the last one of whom would perish at the hands of the [[Messiah]]. As in similar Messianic apocrypha, the chief characters are Armilus, a type of [[Antichrist]], and the three Messiahs: descended from the patriarch [[Josesph son of Jacob|Joseph]], [[Ephraim]], and [[David]].
  
 
==Critic of Rome==
 
==Critic of Rome==

Revision as of 16:11, 26 January 2009

The grave of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai in Meron on Lag Ba'Omer.

Rabbi Shimon bar Yohai, (Aramaic: רבן שמעון בר יוחאי) Shimon son of Yohai, Simon son of Yohai or Rashbi (Hebrew: רשב"י, pronounced "Rash-bee," from Rabbi Shimeon bar Yochai.), was a famous rabbi who lived in the era of the Tannaim (scholars of the Mishnah) in the area of what is today Israel during the Roman period, after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 C.E. He was one of the most eminent disciples of Rabbi Akiva, and is attributed by many with the authorship of the Zohar ("The Brightness"), the chief work of modern-day Jewish mysticism. In addition, the important legal homilies called Sifre and Mekhilta are attributed to him. In the Mishnah, he is often referred to as simply "Rabbi Shimon."

His son, Rabbi Eleazar ben Simon was also a noted scholar.

Biography

Shimon bar Yochai was one of the principal pupils of Rabbia Akiva, the greatest of the second generation of the tannaim. He seems to have studied previously under Gamaliel II (Ber. 28a) and Joshua ben Hananiah, and is traditionally believed to have been the cause of the quarrel that broke out between these two leading scholars. He studies with Akiva for 13 years and was one of only two disciple, together with Rabbi Meïr, to be ordained by Akiva.

Shimon stayed for some time in the city of Sidon. There, a man and his wife who had no children after ten years of marriage cae to him to secure a divorce. Observing that they still loved each other, but admitting that the request was allowed by Jewish law, Simeon advised them that their separation should be marked by a feast, just as their marriage had been. Not only did the couple remain together as a result, butShimon's player of blessing on their continued union moved God to grant them a child (Pesiḳ. xxii. 147a).

Shimon's love for his great teacher was profound. When Akiva was thrown into prison by Hadrian, Shimon, who had some influence at Rome, found a way to enter the prison to be instructed by him (Pes. 112a). Despite his Roman connections, Shimon shared Akiva's patriotic zeal. When another rabbi spoke in favor of the Roman government, Shimon replied that their institutions were self-serving and essentially wicked. When his words were reported to the Roman governor, Shimon was sentenced to death. As a result, he was compelled to seek refuge in a cave, for an extended period (Yer. Sheb. ix. 38d; Shab. 33b; Pesiḳ. 88b; Gen. R. lxxix. 6).

Accounts of his life during this period differ from one another. In one version, he and his son Eleazar hid in a cavern near Gadara for 13 years, living on dates and the fruit of the carob-tree, their whole bodies becoming covered with painful boils. Seeing a bird had repeatedly escaped a trapper's net Simeon took this as a sign that God would bless their escape. When outside the cavern, they heard a voice from heaven say, "You are free!" and accordingly continued on their way. Shimon then bathed in the warm springs of Tiberias, which rid him of the skin disease contracted in the cavern. In another version of the story, the two mean leave their hiding place after the prophet Elijah announced to them the death of the emperor, and the consequent annulment of the sentence of death against them.

Tiberias had been built by Herod Antipas on a site where there were many tombs, the exact locations of which had been lost. The town therefore had been regarded as unclean by many pious Jews. Resolving to remove the cause of the uncleanness, Simeon planted lupines, a legume which was a popular food in Roman times, in all suspected places, and wherever they did not take root he knew that a tomb was underneath. The bodies were then removed and entombed elsewhere, and the town was pronounced ritually clean.

Shimon was said to possess fearful prophetic powers. For example, to discredit Shimon a certain Samaritan secretly replaced one of the bodies removed from Tiberias. Shimon learned of the deed through the power of the Holy Spirit and declared: "Let what is above go down, and what is below come up." Legend holds that the Samaritan soon died and was buried, while a schoolteacher who mocked Shimon for his declaration was turned into a heap of bones. Likewise, when he observed people neglecting the Torah, he smote them by his glances. One of the victims of Shimon's wrath was his former Simeon's Judah ben Gerim, who had earlier informed the Roman's of his allegedly treasonous remarks.

Shimon later settled Meron, near present-day Safed. He is also said to have established a flourishing school at Tekoa, probably in Galilee rather than the biblical town of the same name in the territory of Judah, and thought by some to be identical with Meron.

Accompanied by Rabbi Eleazar ben Jose, near the end of his life Shimon was sent to Rome to petition the emperor for the abolition certain anti-Jewish laws, and this his mission was said to be successful (Me'i. 17b). Shimon's success, like many of his accomplishments was said to have bee due to a miracle. On his way to Rome he was met by the demon Ben Temalion (alternatively Asmodeus), who, not being such an evil spirit after all, offered his assistance. The two agreed, and the demon then possessed the emperor's daughter, enabling Shimon exorcise it when he arrived at the Roman court. The emperor then took Shimon into his treasure-house, leaving him to choose his own reward. Shimon found there the offensive decree against the Jews, which he took as his reward and later tore into pieces.

Shimon displayed a notable sense of spiritual self-confidence. He said, for instance that if there were only two people allowed to enter heaven, he and his son would be the two (Suk. 45b; Sanh. 97b). He is also credited with saying that, together with his son and the ancient King Jotham of Judah (in alternate versions, Abraham or Ahijah of Shiloh are mentioned instead) he would be able to free the world from God's judgment (Suk. l.c.; comp. Yer. Ber. ix. 13d and Gen. R. xxxv. 3). On account of his exceptional piety and continual study of the Law, Shimon came to be seen as one of those whose merit preserves the world, and therefore during his life the rainbow was never seen because promise of God's forbearance was not needed (Yer. Ber. l.c.).

Teachings

Shimon bar Yochai legal opinions are very numerous and can be found in most of the treatises of the Talmud. Although he admired his teacher Akiva, he declared his own interpretations to be superior (Sifre, Deut. 31; R. H. 18b). Nor did he refrain from criticizing the tannaim of the preceding generations (comp. Tosef., Oh. iii. 8, xv. 11).

The particular characteristic of Shimon's teaching his concern to express the underlying reasons for various biblical and halakhic commands. This sometimes resulted in a modification of the command in question. For example, in the prohibition against taking a widow's raiment in pledge (Deut. 24:17) said that the reason for such a prohibition was that if such a pledge were taken it would be necessary to return it every evening, and going to the widow's home every morning and evening might compromise her reputation. Consequently, he declared the prohibition applies only in the case of a poor widow, since one who is rich would not need to have the garment returned in the evening (B. M. l.c.).

Because of his association with this form of interpretation, Shimon's contemporaries often appealed to him when they wanted to know the reason for certain halakot (Tosef., Zeb. i. 8). He also compiled a number of general rules summarizing various types of commandments (Bik. iii. 10; Zeb. 119b et al.). His approached was systematic and clear in its expression (Sheb. ii. 3; 'Er. 104b). Although was dogmatic in his halakic decisions, where there was a doubt as to which of two courses should be followed he admitted the legality of either course (Yeb. iii. 9).

Shimon is also a prominent figure in the non-legal texts that constitute the Aggadah. Many of his sayings there relate to the study of the Torah, which he held should be the main object of man's life. He placed greate stress on the importance of prayer, and particularly on the reading of the Shema, However, he also declared prayer must not interrupt the study of the Torah (Yer. Ḥag. ii. 77a).

Shimon believed, however, that more essential to a true spiritual life than Torah study and prayer is ethical action. He recognized that careful study of the Torah and of providing a livelihood at the same time may prevent those without wealth from attain the "crown" of scholarship. (Mek., Beshallaḥ, Wayeḥi, 1, Wayassa', 2). "There are three crowns," he says, "but the crown of a good name mounts above them all."


Simeon viewed God as willing to forgive those who truly repented of the sins. "So great is the power of repentance," he said, "that a man who has been during his lifetime very wicked, if he repent toward the end, is considered a perfectly righteous man" (Tosef., Ḳid. i. 14; Ḳid. 40b; Cant. R. v. 16). He was particularly decried the sin of haughtiness, which he said is like idolatry (Soṭah 4b). "One should rather throw himself into a burning furnace than shame a neighbor in public," he declared (Ber. 43b). He also denounced the crimes of usury, deceitful dealing, and disturbing domestic peace (Yer. B. M. 10d; B. M. 58b; Lev. R. ix.).

Shimon's patriotism, developed through the horrors of the massacre of countless Jewish during the Bar Kochaba revolt, led him to express general animosity toward the Gentiles: "The best of the heathen merits death," he declared." Nor was he a defender of the general character of women: "The most pious of women is prone to sorcery." (Yer. Ḳid. iv. 66c; Massek. Soferim xv. 10; comp. Mek., Beshallaḥ, Wayeḥi, 1, and Tan., Wayera, 20). However, he apparently saw the Persians as possible liberators of the Jews. Probably alluding to the Parthian war which broke out in the time of Antoninus Pius, he said: "If you see a Persian horse tied in Palestine, then (you may) hope for the arrival of the Messiah." (Cant. R. viii. 10; Lam. R. i. 13)

Shimon combined with his rationalism in halakha with a certain mysticism in his non-legal teachings, as well as in his personal practice. He spoke of a magic sword, on which the Name of God was inscribed, being given by God to Moses on Sinai (Midr. Teh. to Ps. xc. 2). He also ascribed all kinds of miraculous powers to Moses beyond those mentioned in the Torah (Me'i. 17b; Sanh. 97b).

After Shimon's death, he appeared to many Jewish saints in their visions (B. M. 84b; Ket. 77b; Sanh. 98a). Thus his name became connected with mystic lore, and he became a chief authority for the the Kabbalists. For this reason, the Zohar first appeared under the name of Midrash de-Rabbi Shim'on ben Yoḥai. Two other apocryphal tests are also ascribed to him. The first is entitled Nistarot de-R. Shim'on b. Yoḥai; the second, Tefillat R. Shim'on b. Yoḥai. The main point of these texts is that while Shimon was hidden in the cavern, he fasted 40 days and prayed to God to rescue Israel from such persecutions. A powerful angel revealed to him the future, announcing even the various Muslim rulers, the last one of whom would perish at the hands of the Messiah. As in similar Messianic apocrypha, the chief characters are Armilus, a type of Antichrist, and the three Messiahs: descended from the patriarch Joseph, Ephraim, and David.

Critic of Rome

According to the Talmud, Rabbi Shimon bar Yohai criticized the Roman government and was forced to go into hiding with his son for thirteen years. They sheltered in a cave in nearby Peki'in where tradition states that next to the mouth of the cave a carob tree sprang up and a spring of fresh water gushed forth. Provided against hunger and thirst they cast off their clothing except during prayers to keep them from wearing out, embedded themselves in the sand up to their necks, and studied the Torah all day long.[1]

According to historian Heinrich Graetz, Rabbi Shimon's anti-Roman sentiments led to his condemnation by Varna c. 161 C.E. He escaped this doom and dwelt for some years in a cavern. Emerging from concealment, Rabbi Shimon settled in Tiberias and in other Galilean cities.

Works and legends

Rabbinical Eras

He acquired a reputation as a worker of miracles, and on this ground was sent to Rome as an envoy, where (legend tells) he exorcised from the emperor's daughter a demon who had obligingly entered the lady to enable Rabbi Shimon to effect his miracle.

This rabbi bore a large part in the fixation of law, and his decisions are frequently quoted. To him were attributed the important legal homilies called Sifre and Mekhilta, and above all the Zohar, the main work of the Kabbalah.

The fullest account of Rabbi Shimon's teachings is to be found in W Bacher's Agada der Tannaiten, ii. pp. 70-149. When the Talmud attributes a teaching to Rabbi Shimon without specifying which Rabbi Shimon is meant, it means Shimon bar Yochai.

Yahrzeit

Mark (behind blue fence) over cave in which Rabbi Shimon bar Yohai is buried. This main hall is divided in half in order to separate between men and women

Lag Ba'omer is traditionally regarded as his Yahrzeit (the anniversary of the death). Some dispute this.

Unlike other Yahrzeits, this one is widely known as a Yom Hillula, a day of celebration. This is based on the original text of Shaar HaKavanot by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzato, which refers to the day as Yom Simchato ("the day of his happiness"), rather than Yom SheMet ("the day that he died"). There is thus a very widely observed custom to celebrate on his yahrzeit, at Meron, the burial place of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and his son, Rabbi Eleazar ben Simon. With torches, song and feasting, the Yom Hillula is celebrated by tens of thousands of people. This celebration was a specific request by Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai of his students. It is a custom at the Meron celebrations, dating from the time of Rabbi Isaac Luria, that three-year-old boys are given their first haircuts (called upshirin), while their parents distribute wine and sweets.

While it is widely accepted that Rabbi Shimon and his son were buried somewhere on Mount Meron,  the building generally accepted as being his grave is an arched structure typical of crusader architecture, which is clearly shown in the photo of the building interior.

Portal:Kabbalah
Kabbalah Portal

See also

  • Baqashot
  • Bar Yohai, a community in northern Israel named after him

Notes

  1. Babylonian Talmud, Shabbat, 33b

References
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External links

  Rabbis of the Mishnah
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hillel
 
Shammai
 
 
 
 
 
Teacher → Student
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gamaliel the Elder
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Johanan b. Zakai
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Father → Son
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
R. Gamaliel
 
Jose the Galilean
 
Eliezer b. Hyrcanus
 
Joshua b. Hananiah
 
Eleazar b. Arach
 
Eleazar b. Azariah
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Elisha b. Abuyah
 
 
 
Akiva
 
Ishmael b. Elisha
 
Tarfon
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Meir
 
Judah b. Ilai
 
Jose b. Halafta
 
Shimon b. Yohai
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Judah HaNasi
 
Hiyya
 
Oshiah
 
 

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