Rabbah B. Ḥana (R. Abba B. Ḥana Of Kafri)

Babylonian amora of the first generation; nephew of R. Ḥiyya and cousin of Abba Arika (Rab; Sanh. 5a). Like Rab, he went to Palestine, where he was one of the prominent pupils of Judah ha-Nasi I. When he was about to return to Babylonia he was empowered by the latter, at the instance of R. Ḥiyya, to decide all forms of religious questions and to officiate as dayyan (ib.). After his return Rabbah was frequently associated with his cousin Rab (Ḳid. 59a; B. B. 52a). He transmitted a saying of his uncle R. Ḥiyya (Yer. B. K. x. 7b); and some of his own halakic sayings have been preserved (Ḥul. 100a, where "Rabbah b. Ḥana" should be read instead of "Rabbah bar bar Ḥana"; Yer. Beẓah iv. 62d; Yer. Shab. iv. 7a; Yer. Giṭ. i. 43b, quoted by Ze'era).

Bibliography:

  * Heilprin, Seder ha-Dorot, ii. 331;
  * Frankel, Mebo, p. 57a, b;
  * Grätz, Gesch. iv. 197, 257.



W. B. J. Z. L.