Rabbi Akiva
Leading rabbinic sage and founder of Mishnaic method
- Born
- c. 40 CE
- Died
- c. 135 CE, executed by the Romans (Caesarea)
- Known for
- New method of interpreting oral law, basis of the Mishnah
- Era
- Bar Kokhba revolt, 132–135 CE
- Legend
- Only one of four sages to enter the 'orchard' unharmed
The great second-century sage whose method underlies the Mishnah, and the only one of four rabbis said to return safely from a mystical ascent.
What is Rabbi Akiva known for?
Akiva ben Joseph was one of the most important rabbis of the early second century CE. Britannica calls him a principal founder of rabbinic Judaism: he developed a method of interpreting Jewish oral law that laid the groundwork for the Mishnah, compiled about 200 CE. Tradition says he began to study late in life, after years as a shepherd.
He lived through the revolt of Simon bar Kokhba against Rome (132–135 CE), which some sources say he supported. He was imprisoned and executed by the Romans around 135 CE, and his martyrdom became a central story in Jewish memory.
The Talmud (Hagigah 14b) tells of four sages who 'entered the orchard' (pardes), usually understood as a mystical ascent. Ben Azzai looked and died, Ben Zoma looked and was harmed, Elisha ben Abuyah 'cut the shoots' and became a heretic, and only Akiva entered in peace and left in peace. The passage became a warning about the dangers of mystical speculation.
He is the only one of the four rabbis of the 'orchard' story who comes out of the mystical ascent unharmed.
Mentioned on these pages
- Rabbit holeMerkabah (throne-chariot)
- PersonRabbi Ishmael
Sources
- Encyclopaedia Britannica, 'Akiba ben Joseph'Reference
- Babylonian Talmud, Hagigah 14b, SefariaPrimary text
- Wikipedia, 'Rabbi Akiva'Reference
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