Jacob
JACOB
JACOB (end of third–beginning of fourth century c.e.), Babylonian-born amora. Jacob was a pupil of *Judah b. Ezekiel, head of the academy of Pumbedita (Av. Zar. 28b, et al.). He transmitted teachings in the name of Hisda (Ber. 29b, et al.). He migrated to Ere? Israel where he studied under R. Johanan (Er. 80a; Suk. 12a, et al.). Jacob is frequently referred to as "a certain one of the rabbis" (see Er. 80a and Av. Zar. 28b). He was an associate of Jeremiah (Av. Zar. 13b), discussed problems with Jeremiah b. Tahlifa and frequently explained obscure halakhot to him (bb 60b, et al.). It is related that the day Jacob died stars were seen at midday (mk 25b; but see Dik. Sof. ad loc.). Because there were several amoraim of the same name, at times it is difficult to decide to which one statements in the name of Jacob refer.
bibliography:
Hyman, Toledot, s.v.; ?. Albeck, Mayo la-Talmudim (1969), 248–9.
[Yitzhak Dov Gilat]
