Rav Ashi

Simai, Ashi's father, was a rich and learned man, a student of the college of Naresh near Sura, which was directed by Rav Pappa, Rava's disciple.

Ashi contributed to its material grandeur also, rebuilding the academy and the synagogue connected with it in Mata Mehasya,[8] sparing no expense and personally superintending their reconstruction.

[9] As a direct result of Rav Ashi's renown, the Exilarch came annually to Sura in the month after Rosh Hashana to receive the respects of the assembled representatives of the Babylonian academies and congregations.

The kindly attitude of King Yazdegerd I, as well as the devoted and respectful recognition of his authority by the academies of Nehardea and Pumbedita, greatly favored the undertaking.

According to a tradition brought by Hai Gaon, he held the position for 60 years, though given his approximately 75-year lifespan it is possible this number was rounded upwards.

The work begun by Rav Ashi was continued in the two succeeding generations and completed by Ravina II, another president of the college at Sura, who died in 499.

To one of these additions—that to an ancient utterance concerning the "Book of Adam, the First Man,"—this statement is appended: "Rav Ashi and Ravina are the last representatives of independent decision (hora'ah)",[2] an evident reference to the work of these two in editing the Babylonian Talmud, which as an object of study and a fountainhead of practical "decision" was to have the same importance for the coming generations as the Mishnah had had for the Amoraim.

[11] Some ultra-Orthodox Jews from the Breslov Hasidic sect belief, Rav Ashi is buried at a site, which sits on the Lebanese Mount Shanan on the border with Israel overlooking Kibbutz Manara.

Local Lebanese people dispute this, they belief that a 16th century Shia Muslim cleric named Sheikh Abbad is buried there.

It was not specify when these individuals began their infiltration, nor the period of time they spent inside Lebanon, and no official Lebanese statement was issued in this regard.