Rabbi Cruspidi the Tana
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| Hebrew: | |
|---|---|
| התנא רבי כרוספדאי חמיד ליבא | |
| Other Names: | |
| Rabbi Cruspidi Chamid Leba, Rabbi Cruspidi from the Zohar | |
| Spelling: | |
| Kruspidi, Kurspedi, Kruspidy, Curspedi, Cruspidy | |
| Kever: | |
| Ein Zetim | |
| Description: | |
| A Tana mentioned in the Zohar. |
Rabbi Cruspidi was a third and fourth generation Tana mentioned a number of times in the Zohar, where he is called Rabbi Cruspidi Chamid Leba. At one point he had a 'near death experience' but was spared since he had been forgiving his entire life. In the 'other world' he witnessed the supernal courts in action and was shown the chamber of Moshiach.
Contents |
Near Death Experience
Illness and Assumed Death
Rabbi Cruspidi became ill and was visited on Shabbos day by Rabbi Yossi ben Kisma and the Sages. They witnessed him cry and laugh and then lose consciousness. Thinking he had passed away, the Sages decided to leave him until after the Shabbos, as no further action could be taken at the moment.
Rabbi Yochanan got up and began to eulogize, comparing their situation to Nomi who first lost her husband and then her two sons, making it a tragedy upon a tragedy. "Here too when we lost Rebbe Eliezer we comforted ourselves with Rabbi Yochanan ben Nuri and his companions. When they passed away we comforted ourselves with Rebbe Cruspidi. Now that our friend Rebbe Cruspidi passed away it is a tragedy upon a tragedy."
Back to Life
As they were sitting, Rabbi Chilkia noticed tears in the eyes of Rabbi Cruspidi and saw him laugh again. Proclaiming that he was still alive, they did not let anyone come near until the evening when Rabbi Cruspidi opened his eyes and requested a drink of water. He then told everyone to come back tomorrow and he will reveal to them what he had seen in a different world, warning them to keep everyone away from his bed for the remainder of the night. Everyone departed aside from Rabbi Yochanan who also remained distant.
His Experience
In the morning Rabbi Cruspidi called over Rabbi Yochanan and explained how they had viewed him crying when the angel of death came to take his soul and then laughing when the Shichina had come to protect him. Rabbi Cruspidi was then taken to the supernal court where he saw many camps of angels occupied in the judgments of the world. Leading them was the archangel San--- minister of the face but he was covered with a veil and Rabbi Cruspidi was not given permission to approach and look at him.
how he saw the chamber of the Moshiach and how they proclaim there "Fortunate are those who study Torah or support those that study as well as those that are always forgiving". He
He then came in front of the judges. There were defenders and prosecutor, Rabbi Cruspidi also saw many of his deceased friends at the trial. The angel of death then complained how they were not allowing him to kill Rabbi Cruspidi and was therefore bringing him to trail. Three witnesses then stood up and said they found atonement as Rabbi Cruspidi was always forgiving his entire life. They then reviewed his entire life which took place as he lay unconscious for a day. Since his entire life he had been forgiving they could not issue a ruling and his case was transferred to an unknown higher court. From there they issue the verdict that Rabbi Cruspidi be left alone and be allowed to complete his Torah study. The angel of death however refused to give in until he was given the original Rabbi Cruspidi Saba in his place.
Kever Rabbi Cruspidi the Tana
Kever Rabbi Cruspidi the Tana is located in Ein Zetim in a cave on the side of the mountain right across from kever Rabbi Yosi Saragosi and a little past Kever Rabbi Yehuda bar Ilai. It is not to be confused with the Kever of Rabbi Cruspidi the Amora that is located in nearby Kadita. Yisroel Meir Gabbai and Agudas Ohalei Tzadikim strongly debate this location saying that according to their research the description provided by Rabbi Chaim Vital more accurately points to Mt. Canaan.
- Kever Rabbi Cruspidi the Tana Photo Gallery