About Rabbi Akiva and His Teachings

Can you believe you have the truth, be ready to give your life for it, and nevertheless leave space for others?

Rabbi Akiva was one of the most prolific and inspiring teachers of Judaism, who formed a crucial link in the chain of transmission of Jewish tradition that began with Moses and continues to this very day.

Akiva started at the very beginning, learning the Hebrew alphabet alongside his son, and went on to be foremost rabbi in the post-Temple era.

The students broke into tears. Looking up, they noticed that Rabbi Akiva was laughing.

Rabbi Akiva taught that “Love your fellow as yourself” is a “cardinal principle in the Torah.” How was it that that Rabbi Akiva’s disciples, of all people, were deficient in this area?

Why was it only Rabbi Akiva who was able to see things in this positive light?