It is supposed that in his youth he had witnessed the service of the Temple of Jerusalem, since he knew the fluters that played before the altar.[2] If this were so, Ḥanina must have enjoyed unusual longevity, as he often appears in halakic controversy with Akiva's latest disciples.[3] Be this as it may, he was learned in the laws relating to the priests, and many such laws are preserved in his name,[4] while precedents reported by him regarding the services and appurtenances of the Temple influenced later rabbinical opinions.
He is often cited as an authority on marital questions[5] and on other matters.[6] Some halakhic midrashim also have come down from him.[7]
Just one aggadah is recorded under his name:
Whosoever practises the precept concerning the fringes on the borders [kanfei] of garments[8] will realize the promise: 'Ten men . . . shall take hold of the skirt [bekanaf] of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you'.[9] On the other hand, he who violates the precept concerning the skirt [kanaf] is included in the verse 'take hold of the ends of [bekanaf] the earth, that the wicked might be shaken out of it'[10][11]
According to him, when an aged man dies after not more than three days' sickness, his death may be termed kareth, a punishment for secret violations of the Sabbath or of the dietary laws.[12]
