Grave

Abba Chalafta

Tanna

Yahrzeit (Hillula)

15 Tammuz — Yahrzeit/Hillula of Rabbi Abba Chalafta - Tanna

Rabbi Abba Chalafta was a third-generation Tanna, served as the spiritual leader of Tzippori, and was the father of the renowned Tanna Rabbi Yosi. Yahrzeit - 15 Tammuz Burial Place - Kfar Chananya, Israel He was a descendant of Yehonadav ben Rechav and was born before the destruction of the Second Temple. The teachings of Rabbi Chalafta are cited several times by his son Rabbi Yosi, who refers to him as "Abba Chalafta." His friends included Rabbi Akiva, Rabbi Elazar ben Azarya, Rabbi Yochanan ben Nuri, and Rabbi Chanina ben Teradyon. Abba Chalafta lived to see the days when Rabban Gamliel the Elder became the spiritual leader of the nation, and he also lived to see his grandson, Rabban Gamliel of Yavneh. Rabbi Chalafta was one of the sages who had to deal with the situation that arose from the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash, and to bring Jewish Halacha and customs into line with the current circumstances. Once, during a fast held in Tzippori by Rabbi Chalafta and Rabbi Chanina ben Teradyon, instead of answering "Amen" after a blessing, the people continued to respond "Baruch Shem Kevod," etc., as had been customary in the Temple. Although at other times of the year the congregation would answer "Amen," they felt that in the services of the fast day, which included 24 blessings and shofar blasts, they should continue the tradition as it had been done in the Temple. When the other sages heard of this, they protested against this decision, stating that it was only acceptable in the prayers held at the eastern gate of the Temple Mount. Rabbi Chalafta is buried in Kfar Chananya, just past the Chalafta interchange, which was named in his memory. A few steps away is the resting place of his son, Rabbi Yosi. A mistaken tradition also places the grave of Rabbi Shimon ben Chalafta in this same courtyard, but the Arizal rejected this, placing it instead in Tzfat, near the ancient cemetery. Next to these graves there still stands an ancient, large tree, which was recorded in visitors' journals hundreds of years ago. May the merit of the Tzadik Rabbi Abba Chalafta protect us all! (http://www.zissil.com/topics/Abba-Chalafta)