Guide
Rabbinic Constructions of the Past: The Exilarch
3rd–6th Centuries
Restricted
By Carol Bakhos
The exilarch (Aramaic: resh galuta) was the leader of the Jewish communities throughout Mesopotamia. During the Sasanian period, the office was held by members of a family that claimed it could trace its ancestry back to the line of King David and functioned like the catholicos, the head of the Christian communities. Rabbinic literature portrays a complex relationship between the rabbis and the exilarch, marked by both cooperation and competition. See also The Exilarch in Babylonian Jewish Society.
Related Primary Sources
Primary Source
The Power of the Exilarch in Commerce
R. Dimi brought figs from Nehardea on a ship. The exilarch said to Rava, “Go and see. If he is a sage, give him first right of sale in the market.” Rava said to R. Ada bar Abba, “Go appraise his…
Primary Source
The Judicial Power of the Exilarch
Rav said: One who desires to judge and be exempt if he errs should ask permission from the exilarch. Similarly, Samuel said: He should ask permission from the exilarch. Obviously! From here to here…
Primary Source
The Grandeur of the Exilarch’s Household
Rava and R. Naḥman bar Isaac were sitting, and R. Naḥman bar Jacob passed by, sitting on a golden litter with a leek-colored garment spread over him. Rava followed him, but R. Naḥman bar Isaac did not…
Primary Source
Rebuking Members of the Exilarch’s Household
Whoever is able to protest against the [sins of the] people of his household and does not protest is caught up [in the sins of] the people of his household. [Whoever is able to protest against the…
Primary Source
The Exilarch’s Sinning Servants
The exilarch said to R. Sheshet [who was blind], “Why do you not dine with us?” He said to him, “Because [your] servants are suspected of [transgressing the prohibition of eating] a limb from a live…
Related Guide
Rabbinic Constructions of the Past: The Patriarch
1st–6th Centuries
Related Guide
Ancient Rabbinic Constructions of the Past
2nd–6th Centuries