Guide
The Exilarch in Babylonian Jewish Society
6th–7th Centuries
Restricted
By Carol Bakhos
Sources confirm that the exilarch (Aramaic: resh galuta), the main office of Babylonian Jewish political leadership, was established under the Sasanians. This office was invested in and apparently had some authority over the execution of Jewish law within the Sasanian Empire, although it is not clear if the exilarch was officially recognized by the empire. See also The Exilarch.
Related Primary Sources
Primary Source
The Exilarch and Rabbinic Judicial Authority
Rav said, “Whosoever wants to rule as judge and if he errs, to be exempt [from liability] and not pay, he should receive authority from the exilarchate.” And so said Samuel, “He should receive…
Primary Source
The Exilarch as Jewish Elite
The exilarch said to Rav Sheshet, “Although you rabbis might be wise, the Persians are more expert than you in matters of table etiquette. When there are two couches, the most important person…
Primary Source
King Yazdgird and the Exilarch’s Daughter
The city of Susa and Šūštar were built by Šīšīnduxt, the wife of Yazdgird, the son of Šābuhr, since she was the daughter of Reš Galut [exilarch, lit., head of the diaspora—Ed.], the king of the Jews…
Related Guide
Parthian and Sasanian Iran in History and Memory
1st–6th Centuries