Rabbi Yochanan HaSandlar

רבי יוחנן הסנדלר

Rabbi Yochanan HaSandlar, “the shoemaker,” was a Tanna of the 2nd century CE and a student of Rabbi Akiva. He earned his living making shoes, and is said to have come from Alexandria.

The Jerusalem Talmud tells that he disguised himself as a peddler to bring a question of law to Rabbi Akiva while his teacher was imprisoned by the Romans. In Pirkei Avot (4:11) he teaches: “Every gathering that is for the sake of Heaven will endure in the end; one that is not for the sake of Heaven will not endure.” According to tradition he is buried near Meron.

Works

His teachings appear in the Mishnah and Talmud, including his saying in Pirkei Avot 4:11.

Accomplishments & Achievements

One of the students of Rabbi Akiva who carried his Torah forward.
An example of combining Torah with an honest trade.

Influence on Jewish Tradition

His saying about gatherings "for the sake of Heaven" is often quoted when founding communities and organisations.

Family & Lineage

Little is recorded of his family.

Teachers & Students

Teacher: Rabbi Akiva.

Places to Visit

His traditional grave is close to Meron, a few kilometres west of Tzfat.

Sefarim & Manuscripts

Sefaria Pirkei Avot 4:11
Sefaria All texts by and about Rabbi Yohanan Hasandlar on Sefaria

Sources & Further Reading

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