King Yannai and Simeon ben Shetaḥ

The following stories involve King Yannai and Simeon ben Shetaḥ, a sage and brother of Queen Shelamzion (Salome Alexandra), wife and successor to King Yannai. The first story, from b. Sanhedrin 19a–b, recounts a clash between Simeon ben Shetaḥ and Yannai in the judicial sphere that leads to a law against a king judging or being judged. In the second story, from Genesis Rabbah 91:3, Simeon ben Shetaḥ tricks Yannai. When Yannai hears of the trick, Simeon ben Shetaḥ flees, but Yannai has Shelamzion bring him back so that he can question him about his actions. The third story, from b. Berakhot 48a, takes place after Yannai’s massacre of the Pharisees, when Simeon ben Shetaḥ appears to be the only remaining sage. This passage alludes to Shelamzion’s support of the Pharisees in contrast to her husband.