Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi: Life, Legacy, and Facts About the Compiler of the Mishnah

Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi was the Nasi of the Sanhedrin, redactor of the Mishnah, a fifth-generation Tanna, and a direct descendant of Hillel the Elder — the final link in the era of the Tannaim. His yahrzeit is observed on the 15th of Kislev.

Following are some facts about this towering figure.

“Rabbeinu HaKadosh” — His Honorary Titles

Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi, often called Rabbeinu HaKadosh (“Our Holy Teacher”), was referred to as ‘Nasi’ when in Eretz Yisrael and as ‘Rebbi’ when he was in Babylonia.

His Birth During a Time of Persecution

According to the Sages, Rabbeinu HaKadosh was born between 135–137 CE, during the harsh decrees of Emperor Hadrian, shortly after the Bar Kochba revolt.

His Teachers and Early Appointment

In his youth he studied under Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai (author of the Zohar), and under his father Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel. At only thirty years old, he was appointed Nasi of the Sanhedrin.

Master of Languages

Rabbi Yehuda was fluent in Aramaic, Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and Syriac. Greek — the language of scholars and statesmen, was the language he spoke publicly, while at home he insisted on Lashon HaKodesh (Hebrew). His maidservant was so fluent in Hebrew that the Sages learned rare Biblical and halachic words from her.

The Greatest Achievement: Editing the Mishnah

His life’s greatest accomplishment was the codification of the Oral Torah, producing the Mishnah in its final form. He organized it into six orders (Sedarim): Zeraim, Moed, Nashim, Nezikin, Kodshim, Taharot

This monumental work preserved the Oral Torah for all generations.

Wealth and Humility

The Talmud describes him as embodying “Torah and greatness in one place.” He was extremely wealthy and used his resources to support batei midrash and Torah scholars. His estates included lands in the Jezreel Valley, the Golan, and possibly the Jordan Valley, producing olives, wine, perfumes, and fine goods for export.

Despite his wealth, he lived personally with simplicity and even asceticism.

Friendship with Antoninus Caesar

Rabbi Yehuda maintained a remarkable friendship with Antoninus, the Roman emperor. According to Midrash, their mothers were close friends and gave birth around the same time. During a Roman decree forbidding circumcision, Antoninus’ mother secretly swapped the infants so that Rabban Shimon’s circumcised baby, Yehuda, would not be executed. This act saved Rabbeinu HaKadosh’s life and began a lifelong relationship between the families.

A Hidden Tunnel and a Spiritual Bond

Their relationship deepened over the years. A secret underground tunnel connected their homes, enabling the emperor to consult Rebbi discreetly. Midrashic tradition states that Antoninus eventually converted and underwent circumcision.

Rabbi Yehuda spent his final 17 years in Tzippori, where his health gradually declined. He passed away in the year 224 CE.

His Final Instructions

Before his passing, he instructed his sons:

• “Honor your mother.”

• “Let the lamp remain lit in its place.”

• “Let the table remain set in its place.”

• “Let the bed remain arranged in its place.”

• “Yosef HaKafni and Shimon HaEfrati served me in life; they shall serve me after my death.”

His Final Words

As he lay dying, he raised his ten fingers and declared: “Master of the Universe, it is revealed before You that I labored in Torah with all ten fingers, and I did not enjoy this world even with my smallest finger. May there be peace in my repose!”

Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi was buried in Beit She’arim, in the Jezreel Valley, where his burial cave remains to this day.