 While his predecessor, Aaron ibn Sargado, was still in office, Nehemiah tried to have him removed; but the college insisted on retaining him, as he was in every respect superior to his opponent.After Sargado's death Nehemiah finally succeeded in seizing the office by a trick, although the majority of the college, headed by the ab bet din, R. Sherira, refused to recognize him, and he was supported by only a few members and some wealthy laymen.Nothing is known of his scholarly attainments or of his activity as gaon.