During the tumultuous reign of Alexander Yannai, the third pair of the Zugot, Yehudah ben Tabbai and Shimon ben Shetach, faced significant challenges. Despite being Yannai's brother-in-law, Shimon had to go into hiding during Yannai's persecution of the Pharisees, while Yehudah fled to Egypt. Nonetheless, Shimon successfully wrested control of the Sanhedrin from the Sadducees.
Notable Sources
All Sources
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Ethical Judging
MISHNAH
Judah ben Tabbai and Shimon ben Shetach, pivotal figures in Jewish tradition, imparted timeless wisdom on judicial ethics. Judah ben Tabbai advised judges to maintain impartiality, cautioning against advocacy for either party. He taught to initially view litigants as potentially guilty, yet to consider them innocent once judgment was accepted.
The Influence of Shelomith
COMMENTARY
Shimon ben Shetach's return to Jerusalem and the Sanhedrin was aided by familial support and strategic political moves. Pirkei Avot, a tractate of the Mishnah, includes teachings from Shimon ben Shetach, who lived during the reign of Alexander Janneus and Shelomith, his sister. Despite persecution, he escaped, returned to Jerusalem with his sister's assistance, and reclaimed his role in the Sanhedrin from Sadducee influence.
Eradicating Sorcery
TALMUD
Shimon ben Shetach's bold actions against sorcery demonstrate his unwavering commitment to protecting the community from harmful practices. The Jerusalem Talmud recounts the dramatic story of how Shimon ben Shetach captured and executed eighty women sorcerers in Ascalon.
Confronting the King
HALAKHAH
A fearless dedication to justice led Shimon ben Shetach, a prominent rabbinic leader, to confront King Yanai to uphold the law. This Talmudic story from Sanhedrin 19a vividly illustrates the tension between religious authority and political power in ancient Jewish history.
The Weight of Judicial Responsibility
TALMUD
The moral and ethical responsibility of judicial leaders is crucial, as exemplified by Shimon ben Shetach's condemnation of Yehudah ben Tabbai for executing an innocent person. This incident from the Jerusalem Talmud, a foundational text in Rabbinic Judaism, underscores the gravity of judicial decisions and the necessity of accurate testimony.
The Debate on False Witnesses
MIDRASH
Shimon b. Shetach's interpretation of the law regarding false witnesses reveals a significant legal debate on the necessity of having two witnesses for execution. The Mekhilta DeRabbi Yishmael, an early rabbinic commentary on the Torah, discusses the principles of justice and due process in cases involving false witnesses.
Reforming the Ketubah
REFERENCE
Shimon b. Shetach's reform of the marriage certificate (Ketubah) was a groundbreaking step in protecting women's financial rights in marriage and divorce. This text explores the significant legal and social impact of Shimon b. Shetach's regulation of the Ketubah, which aimed to ensure women's security and status within Jewish law.
Defender of Pharisaic Tradition
REFERENCE
A key Pharisaic leader, Shimon ben Shetach, took decisive measures to counteract Sadducee influence and safeguard Pharisaic traditions. This historical account explores his proactive efforts and religious rulings aimed at preserving Jewish life from Sadducean influence.
The Halakhic Authority Debate
TALMUD
The Gemara debate in Chagigah 16b delves into the roles of Nasi and deputy Nasi in halakhic rulings. It questions whether a deputy Nasi, like Shimon ben Shetach, can issue rulings in the presence of the Nasi, focusing on the protocols and authority dynamics within the Beit Din (Jewish court).
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