Rebbi Yehuda haNasi was the oldest son of Rabban Shimon Ben Gamliel (the Second).  Because he loved Hebrew, he wouldn't use the title Rabban.  Rather, he wanted to be Rebbi.  Sometimes, he's just called "Rebbe," even without mentioning his name!  Because of his greatness, everyone knows who you are talking about when you say just "Rebbe."  His Sanhedrin was in Tzipporei.  He is most famous for being the one who wrote down the Mishna.  He did this to make sure the Torah She'Ba'al Peh would never be forgotten (despite the Romans killing as many Jews as possible, and the Jewish People scattering throughout the world).

Rebbi was a brilliant man.  In addition to being a Torah scholar, he was an expert in languages, science and medicine.  He was a friend of the Roman emperor Antonios.   Some famous Tana'im in his generation were Rebbi Natan, Rabbe Shimon Ben Elazar and Rebbe Shimon Ben Yehuda.

www.bonayich.com

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