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A High Priest may not marry a widow, but Joshua ben Gamla and Martha are an example of a High Priest married to a widow,although he betrothed her prior to becoming a High Priest. It can be assumed that Martha saw to it that her future husband achieved a high position, and perhaps even used her wealth to bring about the change in the halakhah. The Sanhedirn had not approved his appointment.
Marta bat Boethus was from the illustrious Boethus family, a family of high priests known for their wealth and strength. Her name is used in the Talmud to symbolize thep rototypical rich woman. She was, as well, the wife of the Kohen Gadol R.Yehoshua ben Gamla, one of the few high priests from the Second Temple who is remembered positively by the Rabbis. We contrast her with Miriam/Mariamme a similar tragic woman, who was killed by Herod.