Tomb of Yehuda Nesia

March 22nd 2011

The great Rabbi Yehuda Nesiah, who is the grandson of the famous Rabbi Judah the Prince (R. Yehuda HaNasi), was head of the Sanhedrin in Tiberias and lived from 230 to 270. Yehuda Nesiah was famous for reconciling opinionated sages to stress the importance of Torah education. The tomb was built during the Roman period and then reconstructed during the Middle Ages; some traces of the original Roman tomb can still be seen. Tourists and Pilgrims to Israel have been visiting the tomb for centuries and the tomb remains a popular spot for praying.  Traditionally, many worshipers come to recite sacred texts and leave prayer notes along the doorway praying for healing.