The Four Hostages

Question 1

What is the story of ‘the four hostages’?

Answer 1

Four חכמים set sail from בבל on a fundraising mission. The ship was caught by pirates, and the חכמים were sold into slavery. They were ransomed by the Jewish communities, and became their heads. They prepared the communities to become centers of תורה, and eventually, when בבל faded, they were able to take over.

Question 2

When did this happen?

Answer 2

Around 960

Question 3

Where did these Rabbis end up?

Answer 3

R’ Shmaryahu - Alexandria, Egypt
R’ Chushiel - North Africa (and then Morocco)
R’ Moshe (and his son R’ Chanoch) - Cordova
No. 4 - unknown