Once R. Yehoshua forgave R. Gamliel, the question turned to R. Gamliel's restoration as nasi. The Gemara says that there was concern about deposing R. Elazar and restoring R. Gamliel because "ma'alin ba'kodesh, v'ein moridin." Was this not of equal concern when R. Gamliel was deposed in the first place?
Morrie Kleinbart, New York, NY USA
Since the Bnei HaYeshiva felt that R. Gamliel was not fit, there is no problem of Maalin BaKodesh.
By the way, R. Gamliel was not replaced as Nasi only as Rosh Yeshiva.
Dov Zupnik
R. Gamliel asked him, "Forgive me on account of my father!" Who was R. Gamlel's father and what merit did he have?
Flax, South Africa
Raban Gamliel's father was Raban Shimon ben Gamliel (Shabbos 15a) who was Nassi at the time of the Churban and killed by the Romans (Sanhedrin 11a). Although Raban Gamliel was younger than Rebbi Yehoshua, Raban Shimon ben Gamliel was older and certainly was respected by Rebbi Yehoshua and his entire generation.
By the way, the honor of my "father" may be referring to his great-grandfather Hillel (see Shabbos, ibid.) who was known for his outstanding patience and humility (Shabbos 31a), traits that Rebbi Yehoshua thought were lacking in Raban Gamliel.
Best wishes,
Mordecai Kornfeld
Kollel Iyun Hadaf