Ulla or 'Ulla was a JewishTalmudist and one of the leading Halakhicamoraim in the Land of Israel during the late 3rd and early 4th centuries CE (the second and third amoraic generations).Together with rabbis Avin and Dimi, Ulla was in close contact with Babylonian centres of Torah study.
In his youth he studied under R. Eleazar II,[1] and he transmitted nine of his teacher's halakhic sayings.[2] He was greatly respected for his learning; and during his visits to Babylonia he seems to have been invited frequently by the Resh Galuta to deliver halakhic lectures.[3] He traveled repeatedly to the Talmudic Academies in Babylonia; and on one of his journeys he was in danger of assassination by one of his companions, saving his life only by condoning the murder of another.[4] Ulla rendered important decisions regarding the benedictions and the calculation of the new moon, and was accustomed to promulgate his rulings in Babylonia when he went there.[5]
He was very strict in his interpretation of religious laws.[6] On one occasion, when he heard R. Huna use an expression which he did not approve, he retorted, "As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoketoeyes,[7] so are the words of R. Huna."[8] Only in the presence of Rav Nachman did Ulla hesitate to pronounce his opinions, generally waiting until Nachman had departed;[9] at the same time, he frequently sought out Nachman's company.[10]
Raba appears to have been his only son.[28] Ulla died in Babylonia, before his teacher R. Eleazar; but his remains were taken to Palestine for burial.[29]
Since the time of the Temple's destruction, the Holy One, blessed be He, has nothing in His world save only four cubits of halacha! (i.e. the Divine Presence is found wherever Israel observes Jewish law).[31]