Choni Ha'meagel zt"l
הרב חוני המעגל זצ"ל
Iyar 3 , 0
Choni HaMe'agel (Choni the Circle-Maker) was a renowned 1st-century BCE Jewish sage and miracle worker known for his intense piety, similar to the biblical prophet Elijah. He is famous for drawing a circle in the sand and refusing to leave until God ended a drought, earning him his title and a reputation as a righteous "child of God".
Key Aspects of Choni HaMe'agel:
- The Miracle of Rain: During a severe drought, Choni stood inside a drawn circle and prayed, demanding rain until it rained gently, then heavily, forcing him to pray again for it to stop.
- "Circle-Maker" Legend: His nickname comes from the Hebrew ha-me'aggel, referring to his circling action during this drought.
- The 70-Year Sleep: In a famous tale, he questioned how a 70-year exile could feel like a dream, then fell asleep for 70 years. Upon waking, he found himself a stranger, leading to his death after failing to be recognized by his grandson and fellow scholars.
- Relationship with Sages: Shimon ben Shetach, a leader in his era, noted Choni's special relationship with God, stating that Choni was like a child "nagging" a father to fulfill his wishes.
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