Simeon son of Yohanan • High Priest
Simeon the Righteous
Men of the Great AssemblySimeon the Righteous, one of the last surviving members of the Great Assembly, served as High Priest. It was said of his days that blessing was abundant in bread, wine, and the Temple lamp. He was among the disciples of Ezra.
Biography
Simeon the Righteous, one of the last surviving members of the Great Assembly, served as High Priest. It was said of his days that blessing was abundant in bread, wine, and the Temple lamp. He was among the disciples of Ezra.
Life Story
Childhood
He came from a priestly family and was the last High Priest of the Great Assembly.
Teachers
Ezra the Scribe.
Students
The Men of the Great Assembly and many other disciples.
Family
He served as High Priest.
Key Events
His meeting with Alexander the Great, and the restoration of the wall and the Temple.
Miracles
Through his merit, blessing rested upon the world, and each year the High Priest entered and emerged from the Holy of Holies in peace.
Influence
He transmitted the Torah to the Zugot and perpetuated the Temple service in purity.
Death
He passed away and was buried in Jerusalem.
His Way and Views
Torah Study
He emphasized that the world stands upon Torah.
Halacha
He safeguarded the purity of the Temple.
Faith
Faith in God and in His covenant with Israel.
Ethics
Acts of lovingkindness as a foundation of the world.
Customs
He instituted ordinances concerning the Temple service.
Character
Righteous and pious.
Public Role
A High Priest beloved by all the people.
Famous Quotes
"The world stands on three things: on Torah, on the service of God, and on deeds of lovingkindness."
Famous Stories
When Alexander the Great came to Jerusalem, Simeon the Righteous went out to meet him in the priestly garments. Alexander said to him, "The likeness of this face appears to me in battle," and he bowed before him.
Each year on Yom Kippur, Simeon would emerge from the Holy of Holies in peace, until in the year of his death he was overcome with dread.
Students
Teachers
Timeline
Birth
Meeting with Alexander the Great
Passing