Page "Exilarch" Paragraph 43

Judah left a son ( whose name is not mentioned ) twelve years of age, whom Saadia took into his house and educated.

His generous treatment of the grandson of his former adversary was continued until Saadia's death in 942.

Only a single entry has been preserved regarding the later fortunes of the exilarchate.

When Gaon Hai died in 1038, nearly a century after Saadia's death, the members of his academy could not find a more worthy successor than the exilarch Hezekiah, a descendant, perhaps a great-grandson, of David ben Zakkai, who thereafter filled both offices.

But two years later, in 1040, Hezekiah, who was the last exilarch and also the last gaon, fell a victim to calumny.

He was imprisoned and tortured to death.

Hezekiah, is counted as the last exilarch and also the last gaon.

Two of his sons fled to Spain, where they found refuge with Joseph, the son and successor of Samuel ha-Nagid.

However, Jewish Quarterly Review mentions that Hezekiah was liberated from prison, and became head of the academy, and is mentioned as such by a contemporary in 1046. hereafter " J. Q. R .", xv.

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