The Beautiful Slave Boy Who Became Rabbi Ishmael

Exempla of the Rabbis, No. 58

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·March 24, 2026

58. R. Jehuda b. Hanina ransoms from slavery in Rome a child remarkable for his beauty and learning. It is the future R. Ishmael.

Themes

Wisdom Rome Abraham Humor Noah

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