Grave
Hamnuna Saba
Amora
The resting place of Rav Hamnuna Saba the Amora (not to be confused with Rav Hamnuna Saba of the Zohar HaKadosh)
Burial place - on the descent from Meron, on the side of the highway.
Rav Hamnuna Saba was an Amora of the second and third generations and a student of Rav, whose teachings can be found throughout the Talmud. He was greatly beloved by his teacher, who called him "my son." When Rav passed away, most of his students in Sura went to study under Shmuel. A group remained in Sura, but out of respect for Shmuel, they did not appoint a Rosh Metivta.
Rav Hamnuna Saba was the elder of this group and served as its unofficial leader. This group is mentioned in the Talmud as "Amri Bei Rav" - "the Beit Midrash of Rav" - and it always refers to Rav Hamnuna Saba. He held this position until Rav Huna took Rav's place.
Rav Chisda was a friend of Rav Hamnuna Saba, and when Rav Hamnuna Saba bested him in a debate, Rav Chisda declared his wish to have legs made of iron that would never wear out, so that he could always follow Rav Hamnuna Saba and learn from him.
Rav Hamnuna Saba instituted the blessing "Asher Bachar Banu," which is recited in Birchot HaShachar as part of the "Blessing on the Torah."
He also introduced the custom of welcoming the Ushpizin into the sukkah.
When he passed away, pieces of hail fell from the sky.
Rav Hamnuna Saba is buried in a cave just past Meron, on the side of the highway. There is a large parking area there, and one must climb a staircase to reach the grave. The grave of Rav Hamnuna Saba the Amora should not be confused with the grave of Rav Hamnuna Saba of the Zohar, who is buried in Tiberias in the tomb of Rabbi Chiya, nor with the grave of Rav Hamnuna the Third, an Amora of a later generation, who is buried in Me'arat HaBavlim in Alma.
Gallery
