Rabbi Hillel the Elder, known as Hillel Hazaken, stands as one of the most influential rabbis in Jewish history. As the head of the school known as the House of Hillel, he laid the groundwork for Jewish thought and practice that endures to this day. His teachings continue to inspire and shape Jewish law, ethics, and communal life. Hillel’s name is synonymous with kindness, tolerance, and a deep commitment to Torah study. His wisdom has guided generations of Jews, and his legacy remains firmly rooted in Jewish tradition.
Hillel was born around 110 BCE in Babylon, in what is now modern-day Iraq. From a young age, he exhibited an intense desire to study Torah. His only recorded sibling was his brother Shevna, but Hillel’s aspirations took him far beyond his home. At the age of forty, driven by his yearning for deeper Torah knowledge, he traveled to Jerusalem. There, he studied under two of the most prominent sages of the time, Shemaya and Avtalyon, who were the leaders of the Jewish community.
Despite his noble intentions, Hillel faced significant financial hardship. He earned very little money, only half a dinar for an entire day’s work. He would spend half of his earnings to pay for entrance into the study hall of Shemaya and Avtalyon, leaving him with barely enough to survive. But his love for Torah was so great that he never considered using his meager earnings for anything else.
One famous story highlights Hillel’s perseverance. One Friday, Hillel could not find work and thus could not afford the fee to enter the study hall. Undeterred, he climbed onto the roof and listened through a skylight to the lesson being taught. It was the middle of winter, and as snow began to fall, Hillel remained on the roof, buried in snow by morning. When Shemaya and Avtalyon noticed that something was blocking the light, they found Hillel unconscious under the snow. Although it was Shabbat, they lit a fire to warm him, since saving a life takes precedence over the prohibitions of Shabbat. This story exemplifies Hillel’s unmatched devotion to Torah study and his willingness to endure any hardship for the sake of learning.
Hillel’s refusal to share his Torah merit for material gain also speaks to his character. When his brother Shevna, a successful businessman, offered to support him in exchange for a share of his Torah merit, Hillel rejected the offer outright. He firmly believed that the value of Torah could not be measured by material wealth.
Hillel’s deep knowledge and understanding of Torah soon became widely recognized. One particular event solidified his status as a leading Torah scholar. The Bnei Beteira, prominent leaders of the Jewish community, faced a dilemma regarding the Passover offering when it coincided with Shabbat. Unable to resolve the issue, they turned to Hillel. With careful logic and clarity, Hillel provided a definitive answer, impressing the community with his Torah prowess. This moment led to Hillel being appointed as the leader of the Jewish people, a position he held for forty years until his passing, approximately one hundred years before the destruction of the Second Temple.
Hillel’s teachings attracted many students, and his school, Beit Hillel, became the center of Torah learning. Among his eighty students were some of the most famous rabbis in Jewish history, including Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai and Yonatan ben Uziel. The school of Beit Hillel became known for its compassionate approach to Jewish law, often standing in contrast to the stricter views of Beit Shammai, the academy led by Hillel’s colleague, Shammai. Although the two schools frequently debated various points of Jewish law, the halachah (Jewish law) typically followed the rulings of Beit Hillel, known for their emphasis on kindness and understanding.
Hillel’s character was as revered as his scholarship. He was renowned for his patience, humility, and kindness. One story that illustrates this occurred one Friday afternoon as Hillel was preparing for Shabbat. A man, seeking to provoke him, repeatedly interrupted Hillel with frivolous questions. Rather than becoming irritated, Hillel responded calmly each time. When the man admitted that he had bet someone that he could anger Hillel, Hillel simply smiled and said, “Better you lose your wager than I become angry.”
Hillel’s approach to teaching and his inclusive attitude toward others were legendary. He famously welcomed a potential convert who came to him asking to be taught the entire Torah while standing on one foot. Instead of dismissing the man as impractical, Hillel responded with a principle that encapsulates the essence of Jewish teaching: “That which is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow. That is the entire Torah; the rest is commentary. Now go and study.”
Hillel’s wisdom extended beyond his tolerance and humility. He taught, “Do not judge your friend until you have stood in his place,” encouraging empathy and understanding. His influence continues to shape Jewish rituals today, such as the practice of eating the matzah and marror sandwich at the Passover Seder, which reflects Hillel’s custom of combining the Passover lamb, matzah, and bitter herbs.
Hillel’s impact on Jewish life was profound, and his name is invoked in countless teachings and customs. One time, when walking by a river, he saw a floating skull and remarked, “You drowned because you drowned others, and those who drowned you will eventually drown.” This saying reflects his belief in the cyclical nature of justice and the importance of ethical behavior.
Hillel the Elder’s legacy of kindness, patience, and Torah scholarship has endured for centuries. His influence on Jewish law, thought, and daily life continues to guide and inspire, reminding us of the importance of humility, compassion, and the relentless pursuit of wisdom. His life exemplifies the core values of Judaism, and his teachings remain a foundational part of Jewish education and practice to this day.
May his merit protect us.
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