From some versions of the Tosefta[3] it appears that Tarfon was one of them, but that his regular teacher was Rabbi Akiva.
It is related that he took leave of his wife and attended Akiva 12 or 13 years without communicating with his family, whom he recovered in a remarkable way.
[5] From a comparatively late date comes the statement that Hananiah b. Ḥakinai was one of the Ten Martyrs.
[9] According to him, God's relation to distressed Israel is expressed in Solomon's words: "A brother is born for adversity";[10] by "brother" is understood "Israel," for it is elsewhere said:[11] "For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee".
[12] With reference to Leviticus 5:21 ("If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the Lord, and lie unto his neighbor," etc.