Who was Rabbi Meir Baal Haness?

Rabbi Meir Baal Haness (139-163) lived in the times of the Mishna and was a highly respected fourth generation Tanna (Talmudic scholar) and a leading student of Rabbi Akiva. Interestingly, he was not a scion of Jewish aristocracy, as you might expect. He was actually descended from the Roman General Nero, who reportedly converted after a battle with the Jews. His brilliant wife, Bruriah, was the daughter of Rabbi Chanina ben Tradyon, and is one of the few women cited in the Mishna.

Rabbi Meir received his smicha (rabbinical ordination) secretly from Rabbi Yehuda ben Bava, during the peak of Roman persecution. He, together with four others, were entrusted with the vital mission to keep Torah study alive despite the Roman prohibition against it. Rabbi Meir’s name features prominently in the Mishna; he is the third most oft-quoted Tanna. Additionally, any reference in the Mishna where the name of the speaker isn’t noted is attributed to Rabbi Meir by default.

Possessed with a powerful and holy soul, Rabbi Meir was known as a miracle worker both during and after his lifetime. During his lifetime he was known simply as ‘Rabbi Meir,’ but with all the miracle stories circulating, the phrase ‘Baal Haness,’ (Master of Miracles) was added about 400 years ago.
Rabbi Meir Baal Haness was buried in Teberias, in an upright position, as he had instructed. He wanted to be able to greet Moshiach immediately when he arrives, and not to have to arise from his resting place. Two pillars were erected on the site to symbolize his unusual burial, and eventually an ohel, a structure above the site, was built in his honor. Tens of thousands of people pray at his kever (gravesite) each year.