Hanina Segan ha-Kohanim

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Hanina [Hananyah] Segan ha-Kohanim

ha-Segan
.

He commented on what he had seen occur during the destruction of the

Ishmael ben Elisha ha-Kohen. It is also said that he was one of the Ten Martyrs, and was killed on the 25th of Sivan (late spring).[2]

Hanina earned his title due to the role he fulfilled - as Deputy to the

Ha-Segan was a position with the responsibility of overseeing the actions of the work of the Temple priest staff, as well as a stand-in position, ready to take the role of High priest in case the incumbent was found unfit to perform his functions on the temple. Hanina was considered a "Segan Ha-Kohanim", only second to the High priest, as he himself said: "R. Hanina the Segan of the priests said: Why a 'Segan' [Deputy] is ever appointed? In case the high-priest became unfit for service, the 'Segan' Deputy should enter at once to do the service".[3]

See also

References