Judah III

Judah III (Hebrew: יהודה הנשיא השלישי, Yehudah HaNasi HaShlishi) was a Jewish sage who served as Nasi (Patriarch) of the Sanhedrin during the 3rd century CE. He was the grandson of Judah ha-Nasi (Judah I) and the son of Gamaliel III. He succeeded his father as Nasi, continuing the hereditary leadership of the Sanhedrin passed down through the lineage of Hillel the Elder.

His period as Nasi is less well-documented than that of his grandfather or his father. Information about his life and rulings is sparse in the Talmud and other rabbinic literature. Compared to the extensive influence attributed to Judah ha-Nasi, Judah III's contributions to Jewish law and tradition appear to have been more limited.

Some sources suggest that the authority of the Nasi may have begun to diminish somewhat during Judah III's tenure, possibly due to increased political and economic pressures from the Roman Empire or internal challenges within the Jewish community. Despite this, he maintained the position of Nasi and continued to lead the Sanhedrin.

He was succeeded as Nasi by his son, Gamaliel IV.