Bevai bar Abaye
Jewish Talmudist who lived in Babylonia
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Bevai bar Abaye (Imperial Aramaic: ביבי בר אביי) was a Jewish Talmudist who lived in Babylonia, known as an amora of the fourth and fifth amoraic generations (fourth century CE).
Bevai bar Abaye | |
|---|---|
| Born | |
| Other names | Bebai ben Abaye, Bebai II, Bevai bar Abin |
| Occupations | Talmudist, Judge |
| Known for | Presiding judge in Pumbedita, Talmudic scholar |
Biography
He was the son of the celebrated Abaye, and presiding judge in Pumbedita,[1] where his father had directed the Talmudic Academy. Some rabbinic chronologists[2] suggest his identity with Bebai II (Bevai bar Abin), which, however, is chronologically incorrect, the latter having been a fellow-pupil of Rav Yosef, whereas Bebai ben Abaye was a contemporary of Nahman ben Isaac, Kahana III,[3] Pappi, and Huna ben Joshua. As Abaye was a scion of the priestly house of Eli, which was doomed to premature death,[4] both Pappi and Huna ben Joshua frequently taunted Bebai with being descended from frail (short-lived) stock, and therefore with uttering frail, untenable arguments.[5]
Bebai bar Abaye seems to have led a contemplative life; and legend relates some curious stories about him.[6]
