For the source text click/tap here: Sotah 27
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Our Daf references one of the most dramatic stories in the Talmud, in which the rabbis come together to depose Rabban Gamliel as nasi (נשיא), or chief, of the rabbinic court.
Rabban Gamliel’s offense is the use of intimidation tactics to strengthen his own interpretations of Torah in the face of disagreement.
He actually has a history of acting in this way, particularly toward Rabbi Yehoshua, the second-highest ranking figure in the court and (perhaps) someone R. Gamliel saw as a threat to his own authority.
We explore the back story to the halachot decided on “that day” after his deposition.