warning that witnesses should always be carefully cross-questioned. Fairness Simeon's fairness toward gentiles is illustrated by the following narrative: Simeon lived in humble circumstances, supporting himself and his family by conducting a small business in linen goods. Once his pupils presented him with a donkey which they had purchased from a gentile merchant. Using the legal formula prescribed by the Talmud, they said "When we pay you, this donkey and everything on it is ours." After receiving the gift, Simeon removed the saddle and discovered a costly jewel. The students joyously told their master that he might now cease toiling since the proceeds from the jewel would make him wealthy - the legal formula of the sale meant that the jewel was now his property. Simeon, however, replied that even though the letter of the law said they were right, it was clear that the seller had no intention of selling the jewel along with the animal. Simeon returned the gem to the merchant, who exclaimed, "Praised be the God of Simeon ben Shetach!" Quotes Be diligent when inquiring of the witnesses, and be careful of your words, lest thereby they learn to lie. References Bibliography Landau, in Monatsschrift, 1853, pp. 107–122, 177–180; Weiss, Dor, i.134 et seq.; Heilprin, Seder ha-Dorot, ii.360; Grätz, Gesch. iii, Index Mishnah rabbis 140s BC births 60 BC deaths Pirkei Avot rabbis 2nd-century BCE Jews 1st-century BCE rabbis Zugot Sanhedrin Pharisees