MENAHEM B. JOSEPH B. ḤIYYA:
Gaon of Pumbedita 858-860. He was probably elected to the office of gaon rather on account of his father than for his own merit. He had a rival in the gaon Mar Mattithiah b. Rabbi, his superior in Talmudic lore, between whom and Menahem dissensions continued until the death of the latter.
Bibliography:
- Sherira Gaon, Responsa, ed. Neubauer, p. 38;
- Grätz, Gesch. 3d ed., v. 231;
- Weiss, Dor, iv. 131;
- Heilprin, Seder ha-Dorot, ed. Maskileison, i. 181.
