Ze’eira (Zeira)

(3rd century)

   Amora. Born in Babylon, Ze’eira studied both at Sura and at Pumbedita. He yearned to go to the Land of Israel although he knew his teacher Judah was strongly opposed to this idea. Eventually he left and it is said that as he crossed the Jordan on the final stage of his journey, he was too impatient to wait for the boat and used a tree trunk, holding on to a rope.

   When a stranger made fun of him, he answered, ‘How can I be sure that I am worthy to enter a place that Moses and Aaron were not allowed to reach?’ He entered Jochanan’s school in Tiberias and in order to clear himself of his Babylonian studies, fasted for many days. He became known for his exactitude in learning and for his love of his fellow-men. He reached a ripe old age and put this down to the fact that he had never been harsh to his household nor had he rejoiced at anyone’s downfall. His name is often mentioned in both the Babylonian and Jerusalem Talmud and his sayings were quoted by many scholars.