Essays on the Rabbinic Period

The wife of the great sage Rabbi Meir, she was known for her sharp mind, vast knowledge, and strong character.

One of history's greatest conquerors, Alexander of Macedonia, interacted with the High Priest, Shimon HaTzaddik.

Judah Maccabee was one of the leaders of the Jewish guerilla freedom fighters who drove the Seleucid Greek occupiers out of Judea in 139 BCE.

Let’s explore the Jewish court system, from the ancient Sanhedrin to modern-day rabbinical courts.

His teachings and lessons have become ingrained in Jewish culture, making a permanent mark on the ethos of Judaism today.

Hillel the Elder (Hillel Hazaken) is one of the most influential rabbis in Jewish history. These sayings of his were culled from Talmud and Midrash.

In some articles on your site it says the Second Temple was destroyed in 69 CE, and in others it says 70 CE. So what year was it?

One of the most moving narratives to emerge from our history of martyrdom is the account of the Ten Martyrs—the heart-rending narrative describing in graphic detail the deaths of 10 Mishnaic-era Torah luminaries who were slaughtered on the altar of senseless hatred.

Rabbi Akiva was a shepherd-turned-sage who flourished during the era of the destruction of the Second Temple.

Born into a prestigious Jerusalem family, Elisha was described by the Talmud as an extraordinary scholar who delved deep into the secrets of the Torah.

A process of fragmentation had begun, whereby great scholars established academies of their own.

While nearly no Jews still speak it or a modern version of it, Aramaic is an important part of Jewish literary and liturgical tradition.

This title was given to the political head of the (at times) semi-autonomous Jewish community in Babylon, who traced his lineage to King David.

Did the people of Masada do the right thing? Isn't suicide a violation of the supreme commandment to cherish life? How did Masada become a story of Jewish 'heroism'?

Who was Yehuda bar Ilai, most cited sage of the Mishnah.

Known as the "Light of the Diaspora,” he was the first major leader of Ashkenazi Jewry.