From Rabbi Meir to Beruria

Abstract

Aaron is not the only example of a third-party peacemaker in classical rabbinic literature. In this chapter, eight additional legends found in classic rabbinic literature of third-party peacemakers are presented. The chapter begins with the case perhaps most similar to Aaron, that of Rabbi Meir, and ends with the case most different from Aaron, that of simple jesters. It also discusses two cases of women serving as third parties, which differ from all other examples of third-party peacemakers presented in this book. Many of these legends, like those of Aaron, have served as important sources of inspiration for subsequent generations to engage in peacemaking.