Sherira ben Hananiah
Rav Sherira Gaon
Era of the GeonimRav Sherira Gaon, Gaon of the Pumbedita academy, authored the famous Epistle on the order of the generations and the redaction of the Talmud, which is a foundational source for the history of the Sages.
Biography
Rav Sherira Gaon, Gaon of the Pumbedita academy, authored the famous Epistle on the order of the generations and the redaction of the Talmud, which is a foundational source for the history of the Sages.
Life Story
Childhood
He was born into a family of Exilarchs in Babylon.
Teachers
The sages of the Pumbedita academy.
Students
His son, Rav Hai Gaon.
Family
His son, Rav Hai Gaon, succeeded him in his gaonate.
Key Events
His leadership of Pumbedita and the composition of the Epistle.
Influence
The Epistle of Rav Sherira Gaon is a foundational source for the history of the Sages.
Death
He passed away in Babylon at an advanced age.
Writings
Iggeret Rav Sherira Gaon
987History of the Sages
A letter on the order of the generations and the redaction of the Talmud.
His Way and Views
Torah Study
He documented the chain of Torah transmission.
Halacha
He was a Gaon and a halachic decisor.
Faith
Faith in the received tradition.
Character
Wise, God-fearing, and a careful chronicler.
Famous Quotes
"I have received from my teachers that the Oral Torah was given at Sinai."
Students
Teachers
Timeline
Birth
Gaon of Pumbedita
Composition of the Epistle
Passing