Guide
Queen Shelamzion
3rd–7th Centuries
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Queen Shelamzion, also known as Salina or Salome Alexandra, reigned in Jerusalem from 76 BCE, after the death of her husband King Yannai (Alexander Janneus, or Jannaeus), until 67 BCE. According to rabbinic texts, her rule was characterized by peace and prosperity. She is remembered favorably for her support of the Pharisees (sometimes referred to as the “sages” or “elders”). She is often mentioned in connection with her brother, the sage Simeon ben Shetaḥ.
Related Primary Sources
Primary Source
The Rains of Shelamzion’s Reign
If you will obey my commandments which I command you this day, . . . I will give the rain of your land in its season (Deuteronomy 11:13–14). This refers to the way rains fell in the days of Queen…
Primary Source
Shelamzion’s Abundant Rains and Grain
And I shall give your rain in its season (Leviticus 26:4). On Saturday nights. It once happened in the days of Shimeon ben Shatah, in the days of Shelamzion that rains fell from Saturday night to…
Primary Source
Recasting Metal Vessels
[This ordinance of Simeon ben Shetaḥ with regard to the impurity of metal vessels in general] was only needed with regard to previous impurity [reassumed by metal vessels after they are recast]. As R…
Primary Source
When I, Yannai, Die
They said: When King Yannai fell ill, he seized seventy of the elders of Israel. He put them in chains, ordering the prison guard: When I die, kill the elders, so that even as Israel rejoice, they…
Related Guide
Ancient Rabbinic Constructions of the Past
2nd–6th Centuries