Who was Hillel?

The story of Hillel

He had two brothers, Simeon and Judah. Hillel is best known for his teachings on Jewish law, ethics, and philosophy. He is credited with founding the House of Hillel, a school of Jewish thought that was influential in the development of rabbinic Judaism.

Hillel is remembered for his famous saying, "If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?"

He is also known for his Golden Rule, which states, "What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow. That is the whole Torah; the rest is the explanation; go and learn." Hillel was a great teacher and leader who was respected by both Jews and non-Jews alike.

He was a proponent of peace and understanding, and his teachings have had a lasting impact on Jewish thought and culture.

Name meaning

The name Hillel has Hebrew origins and is most commonly associated with Jewish culture and tradition. In Hebrew, Hillel (הלל) means "praise" or "to praise." The name is perhaps best known due to Hillel the Elder, a significant Jewish religious leader and scholar who lived during the first century BCE. He is widely respected for his teachings and contributions to Jewish law and ethics, including the famous principle known as the "Golden Rule": "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor

Name origin

Hebrew

First mention

Judges 12:13

Appearances in the Bible

2 mentions

Questions about Hillel