Bruriah daughter of Rabbi Hananiah Ben Teradion

Who is Bruriah daughter of Rabbi Hananiah Ben Teradion?

Bruriah is one of several women quoted as a sage in the Talmud. She was the wife of the Tanna Rabbi Meir and the daughter of Rabbi Hananiah Ben Teradion, who is listed as one of the "Ten Martyrs." She is greatly admired for her breadth of knowledge in matters pertaining to both halachah and aggadah, and is said to have learned from the rabbis 300 halachot on a single cloudy day. Her parents were put to death by the Romans for teaching Torah, but she carried on their legacy.

Bruriah was very involved in the halachic discussions of her time, and even challenges her father on a matter of ritual purity. Her comments there are praised by Rabbi Judah Ben Bava. In another instance, Rabbi Joshua praises her intervention in a debate between Rabbi Tarfon and the sages, saying "Bruriah has spoken correctly".

She was also renowned for her sharp wit and often caustic jibes. The Talmud relates that she once chastised Rabbi Jose, when he asked her "באיזו דרך נלך ללוד" claiming that he could have said the same thing in two [Hebrew] words, "באיזה ללוד" instead of four, and thereby keep to the Talmudic injunction not to speak to women unnecessarily.