[NGFP-BookClub] Rabbi Elazar ben Azariah

[Helene Audrey Bergman]

I was told (maybe tongue in cheek?) that Rabbi Elazar ben Azariah became
like a man of 70 by assuming the responsibility of the Sanhedrin at such a
young age: his beard and hair turned white, etc.

As a child, I always thought it was nice to read this story that
illustrates the point that no matter how old and learned we are, we are
still obligated to discuss and rehearse the story.

Lanie Bergman

> Rabbi Elazar ben Azariah, one of the youngest sages in the generation 
> after the Destruction, was a major spokesperson for the Academy of 
> Yavneh. When Rabban Gamliel was removed from his position of the 
> president of the Sanhedrin, Rabbi Eliezer was chosen to replace him, as 
> a compromise candidate, despite he being only eighteen years of age at 
> the time. Even when Rabban Gamliel was re-instated, Rabbi Elazar 
> retained the position. Though he attained high rank, Rabbi Elazar never 
> became proud or overbearing, but always tried to learn wherever he 
> could from young or from old.
>