Ribaz
Rabban Yohanan ben Zakkai
Era of the TannaimRabban Yohanan ben Zakkai was a member of the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem. He left besieged Jerusalem in a coffin, prophesied to Vespasian, and obtained from him Yavneh and its sages. He preserved the Torah and led the people of Israel after the destruction of the Temple.
Biography
Rabban Yohanan ben Zakkai was a member of the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem. He left besieged Jerusalem in a coffin, prophesied to Vespasian, and obtained from him Yavneh and its sages. He preserved the Torah and led the people of Israel after the destruction of the Temple.
Life Story
Childhood
From Jerusalem.
Teachers
Hillel and Shammai.
Students
Rabbi Joshua, Rabbi Eliezer, Rabbi Akiva (through his disciples).
Key Events
The siege of Jerusalem, his departure in a coffin, Yavneh, and the Sanhedrin in Yavneh.
Miracles
He obtained Yavneh and its sages from Vespasian.
Influence
He transferred the center of Torah life from Jerusalem to Yavneh and preserved the Torah after the destruction.
Death
He passed away in Beir.
His Way and Views
Torah Study
He emphasized that Torah is the foundation of Israel’s existence.
Halacha
He instituted ordinances after the destruction of the Temple.
Faith
Faith in God even in a time of destruction.
Ethics
Humility — do not take credit for yourself.
Customs
He redirected the service of the Temple into prayer and mitzvot.
Character
Wise, compassionate, and a leader.
Public Role
He saved the people from spiritual destruction after the Temple’s fall.
Famous Quotes
"If you have learned much Torah, do not take credit for yourself, for that is what you were created for."
"May it be God’s will that the Divine Presence rest upon the work of your hands."
Famous Stories
When the Romans surrounded Jerusalem, Ribaz hid in a coffin, and his disciples carried him out beyond the city walls. He went to Vespasian and foretold that he would become emperor, and he asked: “Give me Yavneh and its sages.” Thus the house of study was saved.
They said of him: throughout all his days, Rabban Yohanan ben Zakkai spoke only for three brief hours before midday, and he never said anything unnecessary.
Students
Teachers
Grave Site
Timeline
Birth
Departure from Jerusalem to Yavneh
Passing