(lit. "disciple of the wise"; pl. talmidé ḥakhamim). Mishnaic term for a learned Jew, particularly a rabbinic scholar. A "disciple of the sages" served his apprenticeship through "attendance on the sages" (Avot 6:5), accompanying a recognized scholar in order to observe and learn from all his ways (Ber. 47b). The Jewish ideal was to attain scholarly rank, thus qualifying one to join the "aristocracy of learning." The tannaitic rabbis differentiated between various levels of attainment, from the student who uncritically absorbed everything to the one who retained only essential knowledge (Avot 5:5).
A talmid ḥakham was granted certain privileges (e.g., not having to pay taxes or shoulder communal tasks), but the duties imposed on him were far more extensive. He had to be genuinely and exceptionally pious, considerate, forbearing, polite, moderate and refined in his habits; careful about his dress and appearance (Ber. 43b; Shab. 114a); serving as an example to others (Suk. 21b; Sif. to Deut. 33:2). The true scholar was humble in the presence of colleagues (Er. 54a), but hard as iron in debate (Ta'an. 4a); his questions and answers must always be to the point (Avot 5:7), and he was expected to deal with halakhic problems anywhere and at any time (Shab. 114a).
The sages naturally tended to idealize the scholar as well as his obligations. A mamzer, one born of a forbidden union, who attained the rank of a talmid ḥakham had precedence over an ignorant High Priest (Hor. 3:8, 13a; Meg. 28a). If necessary, a man should sell off his possessions in order to marry a scholar's daughter (Pes. 49a); insulting a talmid ḥakkam was punishable by a heavy fine (TJ, BK 8:6) or even Excommunication (MK 15a). On the basis of a Scriptural verse (Isa. 54:13), the rabbis also declared that "Torah scholars promote peace in the world" (Ber. 64a; cf. Yev. 122b). In modern times, any Jew well versed in rabbinic law and literature is described as a talmid ḥakham.
