Rabbi Yehuda was a Tannah from the fifth generation of Tannaim (the sages of the Mishna). He is also known as Rabeinu Hakadosh (our Holy Rabbi) because of his holy ways, and in the Mishna he is simply called Rebbi.
Rabbi Yehuda, the son of Raban Gamliel (the second), was born on the day of the passing of Rabbi Akiva. He is most famous for being the redactor of the Mishna, which he put together when he realized that Torah scholars were getting fewer by the day, and parts of the Torah were in danger of being forgotten.
Though he was very rich, Rabbi Yehuda did not take pleasure of his wealth but rather used it to help others, giving to the poor and by paying the Romans in order to prevent harsh decrees on the Jews.
Before he passed away Rabbi Yehuda raised both his hands and said, “Master of the universe, it is well known to You, that with these ten fingers I have served You and have exhausted myself in the studies of Torah and that I haven’t taken pleasure from the material world, not even with my little finger.”
Rabbi Yehuda Hanasi passed away on a Friday. A miracle happened and the day got longer so as to allow all, who came to his funeral, to get home on time for Shabbat.
Rabbi Yehuda Hanasi is buried in Beit She’arim.