Rabbi Eleazar ben Azariah
 | |
| Hebrew: | |
|---|---|
| רבי אלעזר בן עזריה | |
| Spelling: | |
| Elazer, Elazar, Azarya, Azaryah | |
| Other Names: | |
| Eleazar Hanasi, | |
| Meaning of Name: | |
| G-D helped, G-D help | |
| Description: | |
| Second generation Tana from a priestly family who temporarily served as Nasi. |
Rabbi Eleazar ben Azariah was a second generation Tana who was temporarily appointed as Nasi when Rabbi Gamliel was expelled from his position. Rabbi Eleazar ben Azariah was a Kohena and tenth generation from Ezra Hasofer.
His Father Azariah
Rabbi Eleazar was born to Azariah, a wealthy and respected Kohen around thirteen years before the destruction of the Secound Temple. Azariah was a 9th generation direct descendent of Ezra Hasofer. Quite knowledgeable in Torah himself Azarya was called a 'friend' by Rabbi Dosa ben Hurkenes, one of the leading elders of the generation. Azariah was very wealthy and supported his brother Shimon so he could spend all his time learning Torah, subsequently this Tana is always referred to as 'Shimon brother of Azaria'
Nasi
This was particularly impressive considering all the great Sages of Yavneh whom were alive at the time. This was a sign that even at that young age he had already attained great knowledge and had perfected almost all his attributes.
Kever Rabbi Elazar ben Azarya
Rabbi Eleazar ben Azariah is buried in Alama right after the Kevarim of Rabbi Yossi Hakohen, Rabbi Eleazar ben Aruch and Rabbi Shimon ben Nisanel. A few feet away from Kever Rabbi Eleazar is the Kever of his father Azariah.
- Kever Rabbi Eleazar ben Azariah Photo Gallery
