Rabbi Elazar ben Rabbi Shimon
Rabbi Elazar was the son of Rebbe Shimon bar Yochi and one of the main members of the school of the Zohar. He was a fifth generation Tana and a friend of Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi. When his father was sentenced to death by the Roman government they both fled, hiding in a cave in Pekien for 13 years where the greatest mysteries of the Kabbalah were revealed to them. Rabbi Elazar is buried in Meron in a cave with his father. After an incident where he thought he might of unjustly caused the execution of a man Rabbi Elazar accepted upon himself years of suffering. Rabbi Elazar was a master Kabbalist and knowledgeable in the deepest mysteries. He is often mentioned throughout the Zohar. His tziyon that was built above the cave, is a frequently visited shrine. Rabbi Elazar's hillulah is celebrated on the 25th of Elul and according to other opinions on the 9th of Tishrai, Erev Yom Kipor.
Friends
Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi and Rabbi Yishmoel ben Rabbi Yossi ben Chalafta.
Teachers
His father Rebbe Shimon, Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel, Rabbi Yehoshua ben Korcha.