("Pairs"). Hebrew term designating the five pairs of teachers and transmitters of the Oral Law enumerated in the opening chapter of tractate Avot (1.4-15). Each pair was contemporaneous: tradition regards the first member of each zug as president (Nasi) and the second as vice president (Av Bet Din) of the great Sanhedrin that met in the Temple's Chamber of Hewn Stone. Their period of activity constitutes a transitional stage from just prior to the Maccabean Revolt to the era of the tannaim. The five pairs were:
1. Yosé Ben Yoezer and Yosé ben Johanan (before 160 BCE). They lived during the period of the Maccabean Revolt and the Talmud records their decree (Shab. 15a) aimed at discouraging emigration to "heathen lands."
2. Joshua Ben Peraḥyah and Nittai (or Mattai) of Arbel (c. 130 BCE). Some of their ethical sayings have been preserved in Avot, while a few ancient halakhot are mentioned in the name of Joshua ben Peraḥyah.
3. Judah Ben Tabbai and Simeon Ben Shetaḥ (c. 100-75 BCE). At some point the two men exchanged office. The former reputedly fled to Alexandria during the persecution of the Pharisees by King Alexander Yannai, while the latter was protected by his sister, Queen Salome Alexandra.
4. Shemayah and Avtalyon (late 1st cent. BCE). Both are said to have been descended from proselytes.
5. Hillel and Shammai (end of 1st cent. BCE-before 30 CE). Each founded an important tannaitic school; for further details, see Bet Shammai and Bet Hillel.
The New Encyclopedia of Judaism. Copyright © 1989, 2002 by G.G. The Jerusalem Publishing House, Ltd. All rights reserved.
