In his religious decisions Johanan was comparatively liberal. He aided Judah II in the repeal of the prohibition against using oil made by pagans. He permitted Greek to be studied by men (because it enabled them to defend themselves against informers) and by women (because familiarity with Greek was considered attractive in women). He allowed the painting of decorative figures on the walls. Under certain circumstances he permitted emigration from Palestine: "If you are mentioned [nominated by the Romans] for office, make the Jordan your boundary friend [escape over the Jordan], even on a semiholiday". He was one of the most prolific aggadists. Midrash Tehillim has, erroneously, been ascribed to him. References Margaliyot, Mordekhai, ed. Entziklopedya l'chachme haTalmud v'hag'onim (2d ed., vol. 1). Jerusalem, 1945 or 1946. Gross, Moses David. Avos hadoros: monografyot al avos haMishna v'haTalmud (5th ed.). Tel Aviv: Yavneh, 1966. It has the following bibliography: Bacher, Ag. Pal. Amor. i. 205-339; Frankel, Mebo, pp. 95b-97b; Grätz, Gesch. 2d ed., iv. 257 et seq.; Halevy, Dorot ha-Rishonim, ii. 149b et seq.; Hamburger, R. B. T.; Heilprin, Seder ha-Dorot, ii.; Jost, Gesch. des Judenthums und Seiner Sekten, ii. 149, passim; Weiss, Dor, iii. 69 et seq. 3rd-century rabbis Talmud rabbis of the Land of Israel Jews and Judaism in the Roman Empire 180 births 279 deaths People from Tiberias