Shimon bar Yochai
Tannaitic sage of the 2nd century / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dear Wikiwand AI, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions:
Can you list the top facts and stats about Simeon bar Yochai?
Summarize this article for a 10 year old
Shimon bar Yochai (Zoharic Aramaic: שמעון בר יוחאי, Shim'on bar Yoḥai) or Shimon ben Yochai (Mishnaic Hebrew: שמעון בן יוחאי, Shim'on ben Yoḥai),[note 1] also known by the acronym Rashbi,[note 2] was a 2nd-century tannaitic sage in ancient Judea. He was one of the most eminent disciples of Rabbi Akiva. The Zohar, a 13th century foundational work of Kabbalah, is ascribed to him by Kabbalistic tradition.
Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai | |
---|---|
Personal | |
Born | |
Religion | Judaism |
Children | Eleazar ben Simeon |
Yahrtzeit | Lag BaOmer (Hillula of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai) |
Buried | Kever Rashbi, Meron, Israel |
In addition, the important legal works called Sifre and Mekhilta are attributed to him (not to be confused with the Mekhilta of Rabbi Ishmael, of which much of the text is the same). In the Mishnah, where he is the fourth-most mentioned sage,[1] he is referred to as simply "Rabbi Shimon" (except Hagigah 1:7). In the baraita, midrash and gemara his name occurs either as Shimon or as Shimon ben Yochai.
According to modern legend, he and his son, Eleazar ben Simeon, were noted kabbalists.[2] Both figures are held in unique reverence by kabbalistic tradition. By tradition they were buried in the same tomb in Meron, Israel, which is visited by thousands year round.