Zerika

Palestinian amora of the fourth century; a pupil of Eleazar, whose halakic maxims he transmitted (Soṭah 4b; Zeb. 93b; Men. 7b, 86b), and of Ammi (see Ḥul. 46a). He was a colleague of Abba, with whom he decided the controversy of Judah I. and Nathan on the problem whether the night should be divided into three or four watches (Yer. Ber. 2d), and by whom he was informed of a correction in a halakic tradition given by Ammi (B. B. 130b). He was also acquainted with Ze'era (Yer. Beẓah 60c), and especially with Jeremiah (Men. 88b; Suk. 37b). In Babylonia it was said that he had called Safra's attention to the difference between the modesty of "pious Palestine" and the audacity of "bold Babylonia" on the occasion of the prayer for rain (Ta'an. 23b). No haggadic maxims of Zerika's have been preserved, the only saying ascribed to him being one belonging really to Ḥidka, whose name was incorrectly transliterated "Zerika" (comp. Ḥag. 16a, where the correct name, "Ḥidka," is given).

Bibliography:

  * Bacher, Ag. Pal. Amor. iii. 754-755.



E. C. J. Z. L.