Head of the [Jewish communities in] Exile (Aram. Résh Galuta)---a title borne by a distinguished Jew who represented the Jewish community of Babylonia to the non-Jewish rulers. The title was hereditary and traditionally its holders were descendants of the house of David. While the actual origins of the office are obscure, the first references to it in the Talmud date to the second century CE. The Talmud mentions 15-17 exilarchs, the most prominent being Mar Ukba, a noted scholar.
The exilarch was responsible for the collection of taxes from the Jewish community. He had the authority to impose fines on delinquents and to subject them to flagellation and imprisonment. His authority and influence varied in accordance with the attitude of the reigning king or caliph towards Judaism and Jews.
The relationship between the exilarch and the religious heads of the community, the ge'onim (see Gaon), was frequently marked by conflict. Towards the end of the geonic period, the exilarch had to receive the approval of the ge'onim before his appointment by the caliph. As the caliphate expanded geographically in the 12th-13th centuries, a number of exilarchs served simultaneously in various cities.
The New Encyclopedia of Judaism. Copyright © 1989, 2002 by G.G. The Jerusalem Publishing House, Ltd. All rights reserved.
