Rabbi Azariah
Hebrew: | |
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רבי עזריה | |
Spelling: | |
Azarya, Azaryah | |
Kever: | |
Alma, Israel | |
Description: | |
Wealthy father of the Tana Rabbi Elazar ben Azariah and brother of the Tana Shimon Achi Azariah. |
Rabbi Azariah was a wealthy and respected Kohen living towards the end of the Second Temple. He was a direct 9th generation descendent from Ezra Hasofer. During the Great Revolt and the subsequent destruction of the Temple, Rabbi Azaria moved his family away from Central Israel to the Galilee. His son Rabbi Elazar later became Nasi when Rabbi Gamliel was temporarily removed from his position. Rabbi Azariah had a brother Shimon whom he supported to enabling him to devote all his time to Torah study. Due to this whenever this Tana is mentioned in the Mishna he is referred to as Rabbi Shimon brother of Azarya. Very knowledgeable in Torah, Rabbi Azarya was called a 'friend' by Rabbi Dosa ben Hurkenes, one of the generation's elders.