Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai
Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai also known as the Rashbi was a student of Rabbi Akiva, recognized even in his youth for his greatness in Torah. After being sentenced to death for making a negative remark about the Roman government, Rebbe Shimon was forced to flee along with his son Rebbe Elazar, hiding in a cave in Peki'in for 13 years. Great mysteries of the Torah were revealed to the Rashbi during the years he spent in the cave and upon emerging he founded the school that created the Zohar, one of the pillars of the Kabbalah. Often quoted in the Mishna under the name 'Rebbe Shimon', he also authored the basis of the Sefri. Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai is buried in Meron, his Kever being the most visited one in the world, with over 600,000 visitors arriving for the Hillula Lag Baomer.
Cave of Rabbi Shimon
The cave where Rebbe Shimon hid with his son is located in Peki'in.