Rabbi Zeira was a leading third generation Babylonian Amora that moved to Eretz Yisroel. Originally called Rav Zeira in the Talmud Bavli, he became known as Rabbi Zeira after receiving Smicha. In the Talmud Yerushalmi he is called Rabbi Ze'era. He lived to a very old age.

Bavel

Rabbi Zeira was born in Bavel. His father was a layman who worked as a tax collector but was known for his exceptional piety. Orphaned in his youth, Rabbi Zeira went to study Torah in the academies of Surah and Pumpadisa under Rav Huna and Rav Yehuda.

Yearning for Israel

Rabbi Zeira had strong yearning to move to Eretz Yisroel

Long Life

Rabbi Zeira lived a very long life which he credited to never have acted temperamental in his home, never stepping in front of greater person then him, never walking four cubits with out donning Tefilin and thinking in Torah and for never having been joyous at the fall of his friends.