Rabbi Hillel

Date of Birth: 110 BCE

Zodiac Sign: Unknown

Date of Death: 10 CE

Biography

Rabbi Hillel, also known as Hillel the Elder, was a renowned Jewish religious leader and sage who lived during the end of the Second Temple period in Jerusalem. He is best known for his profound contributions to Jewish law, ethics, and philosophy. Hillel was born in Babylon and moved to Jerusalem to study Torah. He quickly rose to prominence due to his wisdom, humility, and deep understanding of Jewish teachings. Hillel served as the Nasi (president) of the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish judicial and ecclesiastical council, where he played a pivotal role in shaping Jewish law and tradition. His teachings emphasized the importance of compassion, humility, and the love of fellow human beings. He is often contrasted with his contemporary, Shammai, who had a stricter and more rigid approach to Jewish law. One of Hillel’s most famous teachings is the “Golden Rule,” which he articulated as, “What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow.” This principle has had a lasting impact on Jewish ethics and beyond. Hillel’s legacy continues to influence Jewish thought and practice to this day.

5 Interesting Facts about Rabbi Hillel

1. Hillel’s most famous saying, “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? And if I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?” encapsulates his philosophy on self-awareness and social responsibility.

2. He is credited with the development of the Prosbul, a legal instrument that allowed loans to be made during the sabbatical year, thus preventing economic hardship.

3. Hillel’s teachings laid the foundation for much of the ethical and moral discussions in the Talmud.

4. Despite his profound wisdom, Hillel was known for his humility and patience, often using gentle persuasion rather than confrontation.

5. He founded the House of Hillel, a school of thought that became one of the two main branches of Jewish thought, the other being the House of Shammai.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Rabbi Hillel

1. “What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow. This is the whole Torah; the rest is the explanation; go and learn.”

2. “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? And if I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?”

3. “Do not separate yourself from the community.”

4. “A single candle can light another thousand candles without diminishing itself.”

5. “In a place where there are no men, strive to be a man.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Not applicable

Children

Rabbi Hillel had several children, including his most notable son, Simeon ben Hillel, who succeeded him as the Nasi of the Sanhedrin. Simeon continued his father’s legacy of leadership and scholarship within the Jewish community.