Rabbi Akiva (Talmud)

Rabbi Akiva was a prominent Jewish scholar and teacher in the late first and early second century CE. He is renowned for his interpretations of the Torah and his role in the development of Rabbinic Judaism. Akiva is credited with elevating the importance of oral tradition, emphasizing ethical teachings and the belief in the power of love and kindness. He famously stated, "Love your neighbor as yourself" as a central tenet of Jewish ethics. His teachings and methods greatly influenced the formation of the Mishnah and Talmud, foundational texts of Jewish law and tradition.