A Popular Dictionary of Judaism
(Hebrew. ‘Ruler’) Leaders of the 2nd–4th centuries. The title was used in preference to that of King.
*Simeon bar Kokhba used the title on his coins, but the first time the title was used for certain by rabbinic leaders was for *Judah haNasi in the late 2nd Century. The nasi presided over the *Sanhedrin, kept in touch with the various Jewish community and led prayer. His authority was recognised by the Roman overlords. The title survived in some of the *diaspora communities and the *Karaites described their leaders as nasim until the 18th century.
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