Guide
Imma Shalom in Rabbinic Literature
3rd–6th Centuries
Restricted
By Carol Bakhos
Mother, Sister, and Wife
Imma Shalom, whose name means “mother of peace,” is identified in the Talmud as the sister of Rabban Gamaliel and the wife of R. Eliezer. She appears in rabbinic literature in various contexts but always alongside members of her family.
In b. Shabbat 116a–b, the rabbis recount a discussion with a philosopher who cites the book of Matthew. This is likely the only quotation from the New Testament in the entire Talmud. She also appears in the famous story of the Oven of Akhnai.
Related Primary Sources
Primary Source
Imma Shalom, Wife of R. Eliezer
Sifra Shemini Mekhilta de-Miluim 33
It happened concerning a certain student who taught in the presence of Rabbi Eliezer. [Rabbi Eliezer] commented to his wife Imma Shalom: I wonder if [the student] will survive the week. And he did…
Primary Source
Imma Shalom on Modesty in Sex
b. Nedarim 20a–b
Imma Shalom was asked, “For what [reason] are your children so beautiful?” She said to them, “[My husband] does not converse with me [while engaging in sexual intercourse], neither at the beginning of…
Primary Source
Imma Shalom and the Philosopher
b. Shabbat 116a–b
Imma Shalom, the wife of Rabbi Eliezer, was Rabban Gamaliel’s sister. There was once a philosopher in their neighborhood, who gained a name for himself for refusing to accept bribes. They came to mock…
Primary Source
Oven of Akhnai
b. Bava Metsi‘a 59a–b
In the talmudic tale of the Oven of Akhnai (b. Bava Metsi‘a 59a–b), divine voices yield to human interpretation and rabbinic authority defines Torah.