Mar Ukva Mar Ukva | מר עוקבא, Sages of the Talmud (or Mar Ukba;: "Cf. The Arabic name ʿUqba (= عقبة-עקבה ), popular in the early Muslim period (7th century) […]" other: Mar Ukva (I); also identified with Nathan de-zuzita) was an Amora of Babylon, of the first generation of the Amora era.
Biography He served as an Exilarch during the days of Samuel of Nehardea, who was also his Rabbi, but at the same time, Samuel was subordinated to Mar Ukva in Ukva's capacity as "Av Beit Din" (chief of the rabbinical court) and its second-highest-ranking member. He resided at Kafri city, Babylonia, about 20 km south of Sura,Adin Steinsaltz, Masechet Bava Metzia 6a-12b where his rabbinical court was also located. He was very strict about refusing any action that could be interpret as a bribe to him by one of the parties in a case.Ketuvot 105b
He was appointed exilarch after R. Huna Kamma died.Iggeret Rav Sherira Gaon Some say that he was Huna Kamma's son, but this is not explicit in the sources.Aharon Heimann, Toldot Tannaim veAmoraim, under נתן דצוציתא and מר עוקבא; Gershom Harpens, Idan haTalmud p.99
In the Talmud it is said that he was a righteous man and used to give tzedakah anonymously, in order not to shame the needy he handed the charity to.Ketuvot 67b As a disciple of Samuel of Nehardea, he also had knowledge in medicine.Shabbat 140a
His greatest student was Rav Chisda, who quotes him often.Brachot 10b; Eruvin 21b; etc. Another student was Rav Zeira.Shabbat 108b The Talmud mentions the "sons of Mar Ukva" in several places,Bava Metziah 70a; Hullin 43b one son named Rav Natan is named,Brachot 13b and one source names "Mari son of Mar Ukva"Hullin 43b though Dikdukei Sofrim suggests that the correct text here is "Mari son of Mar said in the name of Mar Ukva" implying that Mari had a different father. When Mar Ukva died he left behind orphan children, and Samuel of Nehardea became their guardian.Bava Metziah 70a
Quotes Whoever prays on Shabbat eve and says Vayechulu, two ministering angels accompany him and put their hands on his head and say to him: "Your sin has departed, your transgression is atoned."Shabbat 119b, quoting Isaiah 6:7 Whoever speaks lashon hara, the Holy One (blessed be He) says "I and he cannot dwell in the world together".Arachin 15b
External links Genealogy of the House of David- Nathan Ukban I, 6th Exilarch
References