Ulla

Who is Ulla?

Ulla or 'Ulla was a Jewish Talmudist and one of the leading Halakhic amoraim in the Land of Israel during the latter part of the third and in the beginning of the fourth centuries CE.

In his youth he studied under R. Eleazar II.; and he transmitted nine of his teacher's halakhic sayings, seven of which are contained in Bava Kamma 11, one in Eruvin 21b, and one in Ketubot 74a. He was greatly respected for his learning; and during his visits to Babylonia he seems to have been invited frequently by the Resh Galuta to deliver halakic lectures. He traveled repeatedly to the Talmudic Academies in Babylonia; and on one of his journeys he was in danger of assassination by one of his companions, saving his life only by condoning the murder of another. Ulla rendered important decisions regarding the benedictions and the calculation of the new moon, and was accustomed to promulgate his rulings in Babylonia when he went thither.

He was very strict in his interpretation of religious laws; and on one occasion, when he heard R. Huna use an expression which he did not approve, he retorted, "As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so are the words of R. Huna," applying to him the first half of Prov. x. 26. Only in the presence of Rav Nachman did Ulla hesitate to pronounce his opinions, generally waiting until the former had departed; although he frequently sought Naḥman's company.