Hillel and

Shammai
By,
Jake Furst
Ari Holzhauer
Matthew Levine

Hillel
He was born around 100 BCE and died around 5 CE
He has been associated with development of the Mishna
A collection of his beliefs are held in Pirkei Avot
He saw Brotherly love as an important principle in judaism
Disciples of Hillel belong to the house of Hillel
Hillel and Shammai were Zugot during the time of King
Herod the Great
they were the last group of the Zugot
One served as the Nasi the other is Av Beis Din

History of Hillel
Hillel lived during the times Between King Herod and the Roman emperor Augustus. He actually came to
Israel when He was around the age of forty. During his time in Babylon Hillel spent his time as a
woodcutter or learning. But Hillel went to Israel to study the Tanach . According to the Talmud in tractate
Yoma 35b he had a lot of difficulties to overcome. Hillel didnt have a lot of money, but tried to get into the
schools of Shmaya and Abtalion. His efforts would prove that money shouldnt be an obstacle to learning
torah. Yet Hillel didnt harbor much hate towards his peers, as for many he deeply respected (like
Shammai). Hillels life and hardships really affected his views. With his drive to overcome obstacles he
never was angry, because he would know that even with knowledge one should not only still give respect
but also care for others as they would themselves. He would also have a great bond for love for learning the
Torah, and in his eyes believed that people should and are able to make time to learn. Not learning was like
wasting your life.

Shammai
He was born around 50 BCE and died around 30 CE
Shammai founded a school of his own, known as the House of Shammai,
which differed fundamentally from that of Hillel; and many of
Shammais sayings are probably embodied in those handed down in the
name of his school.
Although he and Hillel always seemed to argue they actually respected each
other, and eventually their schools merged.
Shammais opinions were normally stricter and harsher than Hillels.

History of Shammai
Shammais school of thought became known as the House of Shammai
After the Av Beit Din (vice president) of the Sanhedrin, Menahem the Essene, resigned
Shammai was elected to it and Hillel was the president
After Hillel died Shammai took his position as president
Shammai passed a lot of ordinances in conformity with his ideas
When Shammai passed one of his ordinances it is said that the day was as grievous to israel
as the day when the golden calf was made
The exact content of this ordinance is unknown but it seems to have been about Jews
separating from gentiles which was said to be divisive and misanthropic
It is said that a voice from heaven nullified the rulings of Shammai which made us follow the


12. Hillel and Shammai received the Torah
from them. Hillel said: Be of the disciples of
Aaron, loving peace and pursuing peace,
loving your fellow creatures and bringing
them close to the Torah.
Why does Hillel say to be like Aaron? Didnt Aaron commit the sin of
Lashon Harah? Isnt he somewhat responsible for the golden calf? Yet
Aaron for each instance had a reason. The Lashon Harah wasnt entirely
his fault but more his sisters, and he only suggested the cow to waste time.
But arent those things still sins? So why not use someone else? Aaron
was known for also being the person who could resolve troubles and
problems between people. He would help bring people closer together.
Hillel wants not only everyone to get along (based of this passage) but
would also like them to get closer to G-d too.


13. Hillel used to say: He who aggrandizes (increases the power)
his name, loses his name. He who does not increase his
knowledge, decreases it. he who learns not, forfeits his life. He
who makes unworthy use of the crown (of the Torah) shall pass
away.
What is Hillel trying to say? What does he mean? If you dont learn its like death, and if you
increase your power you make lose your name? First off aggrandize is used when someone

increases their power for themselves. So what Hillel means here is that you shouldnt learn
the Torah to use as a weapon to better yourself against others. Knowledge in Hillels eyes is
important because of how hard he fought to get it. So he knows that its important to learn.
Why then should people be careful how they use their knowledge? The answer is that you
are wasting your life if you use it as a weapon, youre not worthy to learn it and are the
same as if youre dead.


14. Hillel used to say: If I am not for myself who
will be for me? Yet, if I am for myself only, what
am I? And if not now, when?

What is Hillel trying to say? Hes saying that one cannot be

themselves if they only care about themselves. But they also cannot
only be for others. People must be able to maintain a balance that
shows they are for themselves but at the same time for helping
others. The lesson so to speak is there are two parts of how we
interact. For ourselves and for others, but to be a complete person
we need to not only respect both ways but must do them. We must
help others as we would help ourselves.


15. Shammai said: Make your study of the Torah a
fixed habit. Say little and do much, and receive all
men with a cheerful face.
Why does Shammai put what he has to say into as few words
yet Hillel says many? Hillel puts many words and makes it feel
light, and that it can be open to interpretation. While Shammais
words seem harsher, more direct, and leave little room for
leniency.