Rabbi Yehuda was a student of his father, Rabbi Ilai, of Rabbi Tarfon and of Rabbi Akiva. He received ordination from Rabbi Yehuda ben Bava.
He was a colleague of Rabbi Meir, Rabbi Yossei and Rabbi Shimon, but his title was “Rosh Hamedabrim” — “First Speaker,” due to his brilliance, his view of the Romans and his close connection to the Nasi, Rabbi Shimon ben Gamliel.
He was poor, humble and kind, yet also had an streak of anger.
In this shiur we will look at many of these sources, and try to put together the story of Rabbi Yehuda’s life and teachings.