Jewish political intrigue in the Roman era comes to life in this riveting biography of a Talmudic hero. Rabbi Akiva’s backing of Bar Kochba set into motion a series of events which forced Shimon bar Yochai, his main disciple, into hiding. Rabbi Wein explores Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai’s accomplishments both inside and outside the cave, and traces the origin of customs surrounding him and the holiday of Lag B’omer.