(first century CE). Tanna, mystic, and leading sage of the Jewish community in Eretz Israel in the early years after the destruction of the Second Temple. He worked for the development of the national center at Jabneh (70–80 CE).
Disciple of Hillel, who called him "Source of wisdom, begetter of generations of scholars," Johanan fought against the trend of Sadducees in the high priesthood and increased the number of Pharisee priests in the Temple.
During the Great Revolt against Rome (66773), he opposed the Zealots and favored peace and coexistence with the Romans. Despairing of the possibility of lifting the Roman siege of Jerusalem, where civil war raged among the Jews and central authority had ceased to exist, he arranged to be smuggled out of the city, and went to the Roman commander, Vespasian, from whom he obtained permission to settle in Jabneh and strengthen it as a new national center. Johanan issued many regulations to safeguard the survival of the nation and Judaism without the Temple. He laid the groundwork for the rehabilitation of the Sanhedrin. His actions regarding the Great Revolt remained a subject of controversy, some scholars believing he regretted his failure to ask Vespasian to spare Jerusalem. Johanan was renowned for his respect for his fellow man and efforts for peace between individuals and nations. According to tradition, he lived to the age of 120.
