Rachel Wife of Rabbi Akiva
From Zissil
Hebrew: | |
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רחל אשת רבי עקיבא | |
Other Names: | |
Rachel Ashes Rabbi Akiva | |
Description: | |
Jewish heroine, wife of the Tana Rabbi Akiva who is buried in Tiberias. |
Rachel was the daughter of the wealthy Kalba Savua. Seeing the potential in the ignorant worker of her father Akiva, she secretly married him. Her father disowned her for this and they lived in complete poverty. She allowed he husband to go and study Torah for 24 years, causing him to become the famous Tana Rabbi Akiva. After realizing the stature of her husband, Kalba Savua nullified his vow and she once again became wealthy. Rachel the wife of Rabbi Akiva is buried in Southern Tiberias where many women visit her tomb.