Raba bar Rav Huna

Raba bar Rav Huna was a Jewish Talmudist who lived in Babylonia, known as an amora of the third generation (died 322). He was the son of Rav Huna, the head of the Academy of Sura.^[1]

In the Talmudic Academy

He was a man of true piety^[2] and genuine modesty,^[3] and was urged by his father to attend Rav Chisda's lectures diligently and to profit by his acumen. At first, however, Rabbah held aloof because matters were discussed which did not appeal to his earnest nature.^[4] But later he became closely associated with Rav Chisda, and was appointed judge under him;^[5] subsequently the two treated of aggadic subjects together.^[6]

After the death of Rav Chisda, Rabbah became the head of the Academy of Sura, though he apparently held this position without the approval of the exilarch. His general relations with the exilarchate were by no means friendly, and he declared himself independent of its authority.^[7]

Teachings

A number of Halakic and aggadic sentences of Raba bar Rav Huna brought down in the talmud. Among others: "He who is insolent must be considered a transgressor".^[8] "When one falls into a rage he loses the respect of God".^[9] "He who possesses learning [in the Torah], but is without the fear of God, is like unto a steward to whom have been given the keys of the inner storehouses but not the outer keys; he can not gain access to the storehouses".^[2]

References and further reading

• Heilprin, Seder Ha'Dorot, pp. 167b, 168a, Warsaw, 1882 (Hebrew).
• Weiss, Dor, iii. 195.
• Bacher, Ag. Bab. Amor. pp. 62–63.

1. (Heilprin, "Seder ha-Dorot," ii. 167b)
2. (Shab. 31a, b)
3. (M. K. 28a; comp. Git. 43a)
4. (Shab. 82a)
5. (ib. 10a)
6. (Pes. 110a, 117a; Sotah 39a)
7. (Sanh. 5a)
8. (Ta'an. 7b)
9. (Ned. 22b)

 This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Singer, Isidore; et al., eds. (1901–1906). "Rabbah b. Hana". Jewish Encyclopedia. New York: Funk & Wagnalls Company.