Rabbi Shimon ben Halafta was a rabbi who lived in the 2nd century CE (fourth generation of tannaim).
Little is known of his life, but a number of stories are recorded involving him, often involving miracles.
He was the brother of R' Jose ben Halafta and the son of R' Halafta. He lived in Ein Teenah,[1] which some identify with modern-day עין תינה in the Golan Heights.
He was obese. Once on a hot day, he asked his daughter to fan him, offering to pay her for this service with packages of nard spices. Suddenly the wind blew, and he exclaimed, "How many packages of nard do I owe to the master of the wind (God)?"[2]
He was extremely poor. It is said that once he did not have money for Shabbat expenses, and upon praying he was miraculously given a precious stone. However, his wife refused to use the stone, so as not to have his reward in this world detract from his reward in the world to come. He prayed again, and the stone was miraculously taken back.[3]
It is reported that once he was confronted by lions while traveling. He prayed, and two cuts of meat miraculously descended from heaven. The lions ate one, allowing him to escape. He took the second cut to the beit midrash, where it was ruled kosher to eat.[4]
He was known as the "researcher of matters", and would perform various experiments to understand nature better.[5] He once performed an experiment to determine the social patterns of ants, but a later rabbi, Rav Aha b. Rava, criticized its methodology.[6]
He is known for his aggadic teachings, particularly those regarding the value of peace.[8]
