[Avodah] The plot against the Nasi

[L Reich]

The Talmud Bavli at the end of Horayos (13b) relates a remarkable tale. Two Tanoim, R' Nosson and R' Meir were unhappy with
the way the Nasi, Rabbon Shimon ben Gamliel, conducted his post (they though him arrogant) and plotted to oust him. The plot was discovered and resulted in the plotters being censured by being demoted. R' Nosson was from then on referred to as "Yesh Omrim" (an opinion says) and R' Meir as "Acherim" (others). (It is probably due to this that R' Nosson although quoted by name in hundreds of Brysos, is very rarely mentioned in Mishnayos, which were edited by Rabbon Shimon ben Gamliel's son, R Yehudah Hanossi.)

May I draw your attention to an (probably unintended) irony. Our Siddur includes a collection of Brysos starting "Pitum
Haktores" relating to the preparation of incense used in the Beis Hamikdosh. It included a piece by Rabbon Shimon ben Gamliel.
Surprisingly this piece is sandwiched between two pieces by his arch rival, R' Nosson. 

Elozor Reich, Manchester
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