Guide
Rabbinic Stories about Rabbi Judah's Maidservant
3rd–6th Centuries
Restricted
Both the Palestinian and Babylonian Talmuds recount stories of a maidservant in the home of Rabbi Judah the Prince, known simply as Rabbi, the great scholar who is credited with compiling the Mishnah. Although it is not clear whether these stories all refer to the same individual, the Talmuds present Rabbi’s maidservant as possessing knowledge of Jewish law, texts, and obscure technical vocabulary. She also demonstrates compassion for an adult son who received a beating from his father and for Rabbi himself at the end of his life.
Related Primary Sources
Primary Source
The Palestinian Talmud on Rabbi’s Maidservant
y. Berakhot 3:4, 6c|y. Megillah 2:2, 73a
There was the case of one who wished to have sex with the maidservant of Rabbi. She said to him: If my mistress does not immerse [after her monthly period…
Primary Source
The Babylonian Talmud on Rabbi’s Maidservant
b. Shabbat 152a|b. Eruvin 53b|b. Ketubbot 104a
[A]nd had not Barzilai the Gileadite said to David: “I am this day eighty years old . . . Can your servant taste what he eats?” (2 Samuel 19:35). This means…
Primary Source
Rabbi’s Maidservant on Striking an Adult Son
b. Mo‘ed Katan 17a
What is [the story mentioned by R. Samuel bar Naḥmani involving] the maidservant in the house of Rabbi? [It was related] that the maidservant in Rabbi’s house saw a certain man who was striking his…