Rav Mesharshiya [1][2] (or R. Mesharshya,[3] or Rav Mesharsheya,[4] or Rav Mesharshia; Hebrew: רב משרשיא) was a Babylonian rabbi, of the fifth generation of amoraim.
Biography
It would appear that "Rav Acha the son of Rav" was his grandfather, making Mesharshiya himself a great-grandson of the great Amora Rav.[5] His father-in-law appears under the name "R. Kahana the father-in-law of R. Mesharshiya".[6]
His principle teacher was Rava, and they are mentioned together dozens of times in the Talmud. It is possible he was also a pupil of Abaye.[7] He was a close colleague of Rav Papa, who was also a pupil of Rava, and he even sent his son to study under Rav Papa.[8] R. Joseph the son of R. Ila'i was also among his colleagues.[9]
Three of his sons became Amora sages. Their names were Raba,[10] R. Sama,[11] and R. Isaac.[12]
It is said that when he died, the palm trees became full of thorns in place of dates, as a sign of mourning.[13]