Gamaliel

/ɡəˈmeɪliəl/ noun

Definition

A Jewish teacher or sage, particularly referring to a wise and respected rabbinical scholar or instructor.

Etymology

From the Hebrew name Gamaliel (גמליאל), meaning 'God is my reward' or 'benefit of God,' taken from the famous Rabbi Gamaliel I of the 1st century CE, who was a leading sage in Jerusalem.

Kelly Says

Rabbi Gamaliel I was so respected that the Talmud says he and his students 'held up the world'—and his descendant, Rabbi Judah the Prince, eventually became so honored that people referred to teachers generally as 'a gamaliel,' showing how one person's reputation became synonymous with wisdom.

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