Meir • Rabbi Meir Baal HaNes
Rabbi Meir
Era of the TannaimRabbi Meir was one of the foremost disciples of Rabbi Akiva, a distinguished sage and scribe. His wife, Beruriah, was herself a woman of exceptional wisdom. He came to be known as Baal HaNes on account of the miracle associated with him.
Biography
Rabbi Meir was one of the foremost disciples of Rabbi Akiva, a distinguished sage and scribe. His wife, Beruriah, was herself a woman of exceptional wisdom. He came to be known as Baal HaNes on account of the miracle associated with him.
Life Story
Childhood
He came from a family of converts from Asia Minor.
Teachers
Rabbi Akiva, Rabbi Ishmael.
Students
Rabbi Judah ha-Nasi.
Family
He married Beruriah, the daughter of Rabbi Hananiah ben Teradyon.
Key Events
His studies under Rabbi Akiva, and his leadership in the Sanhedrin at Usha.
Miracles
The miracle of Rabbi Meir Baal HaNes.
Influence
He transmitted Torah to Rabbi Judah ha-Nasi, who later redacted the Mishnah.
Death
He passed away outside the Land of Israel.
His Way and Views
Torah Study
The study of Torah for its own sake.
Halacha
His halakhic rulings are cited frequently throughout the Mishnah.
Ethics
Do not look at the vessel, but at what it contains.
Character
Wise, humble, and pious.
Famous Quotes
"One who studies Torah not for its own sake—it would have been better had he not been created."
"Do not look at the vessel, but at what it contains."
Famous Stories
Rabbi Meir went to rescue his sister from Roman captivity. He said to her: If you listen to me, you will be saved. The Roman guard who had been watching her was punished and hanged, and from that time Rabbi Meir became known as Baal HaNes.
Rabbi Meir was accustomed, on the eve of Shabbat, to be especially careful regarding Havdalah, and he would say: I do not invoke the Divine Name over Havdalah except with full intention.
Students
Teachers
Timeline
Birth
Study under Rabbi Akiva
Passing