Menahem the Essene[1] (Hebrew: מנחם) was a Jewish tanna sage living during the era of the Zugot (lit.
The Talmud then quotes a baraita supporting Rava's opinion: "Thus it is also taught: Menahem went forth [out] to the King's service, and there went forth [out] with him eighty pairs of disciples dressed in silk [regally]".
[3] The Jerusalem Talmud cites an additional opinion, that Menahem agreed to be appointed to a ministration position in order to revoke governmental predestinations against Torah studying.
Initially, Menahem did not reply, and Herod urged him "Would my reign last ten years?".
Herod was pleased with Menahem's answer and dismissed him with a clasp of the hand and thenceforth bestowed special honors upon the Essenes.