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Imma Shalom came from a distinguished family. She was the daughter of Rabban Shimon Ben Gamliel the Elder, the president of the Sanhedrin, and the wife of Rabbi Eliezer, one the most eminent Tannas of the Mishnaic period. Following the rift between her brother, Rabban Gamliel, and her husband, Rabbi Eliezer, Imma Shalom did not allow Rabbi Eliezer to pray on his own lest he prostrate himself when reciting the supplications – fearing that it would shock the heavens and cause the death of Rabban Gamliel. One day, a poor man came to the door of their home. Imma Shalom left her husband alone so she could give the poor man some bread. When she returned, she found her husband lying prostrate. She immediately told him: “Get up, you’ve killed my brother.” At the very same moment, a cry could be heard from the home of Rabban Gamliel, who had died due to the deep sorrow of Rabbi Eliezer.
