The Life and Teachings of Hillel

The Life and Teachings of Hillel develops a groundbreaking portrait of one of the greatest figures in Jewish tradition. Weaving together the various stories about Hillel along with his teachings and sayings Yitzak Buxbaum sheds new light on Hillel's illustrious career, fascinating life, and profound teachings. The Life and Teachings of Hillel offers new information about a radiant religious figure, and also recovers a side of Jewish tradition that has been lost to most people.

The Life and Teachings of Hillel provides the most comprehensive treatment ever published of one of the greatest figures in Jewish tradition. Yitzhak Buxbaum weaves together the various stories about Hillel along with his teachings and sayings to develop this ground-breaking portrait, shedding new light on Hillel's illustrious career, fascinating life, and profound teachings. Hillel is one of the most important and popular of the talmudic sages, yet he is mostly known only in the context of two or three popular stories told about him. Such stories as teaching the 'Golden Rule' of Torah 'while standing on one foot,' and his saying, 'If I am not for myself, who will be for me, and if I am for myself alone, who am I,' have eclipsed a more complete view of Hillel's influence and significance. In the rabbinic tradition, there is much debate between the teachings of the school of Hillel and that of his contemporary, Shammai. Hillel is often seen as the more tolerant, softer teacher, with his teachings representing what we consider 'normative' Judaism. Often, the traditions passed down to modern times are a result of the rabbis' reconciliation of the two schools, so that Hillel's pure teachings have been lost. The Life and Teachings of Hillel separates out Hillel's teachings and looks at them independently of Shammai's. Studied on their own, it becomes evident that Hillel was actually much more radical and 'hasidic' than is commonly thought. While he is known for representing the gentler, more loving side of Judaism, in this work his pious radicalism is also apparent. Readers will be charmed and fascinated by Hillel's fiery gentleness. The Life and Teachings of Hillel offers new information about a radiant religious figure, and it also recovers a side of Jewish tradition that has been lost to most people.

Chapter 1 Ascent to Leadership
Chapter 2 The Lost Teachings of Hillel
Chapter 3 Historical Settings and Family Background
Chapter 4 Shebna
Chapter 5 Hillel on the Roof
Chapter 6 His Great Torah Knowledge
Chapter 7 Hillel becomes Nasi
Chapter 8 The Nasi as Scholar
Chapter 9 The Nasi as Judge
Chapter 10 Hillel's View on Leadership
Chapter 11 Yeas and Dates
Chapter 12 Hillel the Pharisee
Chapter 13 Hillel, Menahem, and Shammai
Chapter 14 The Prosbul
Chapter 15 Hillel and Herod: Religion and Politics
Chapter 16 Hillel and Herod: Religion and Politics - Continued
Chapter 17 Mission and Message
Chapter 18 Disciples of Aaron
Chapter 19 Loving Peace
Chapter 20 Being Mixed in with Others
Chapter 21 Charity and Peace
Chapter 22 Loving People
Chapter 23 Love and Judging Others
Chapter 24 Under the Wings of Divine Presence
Chapter 25 A Mission to All Men
Chapter 26 Three Proselytes
Chapter 27 Receive All Men
Chapter 28 The Hasidic Personality
Chapter 29 Hillel's Personality
Chapter 30 Hillel the Hasid
Chapter 31 A Hasid from Love
Chapter 32 The Hasid and Hesed
Chapter 33 A Different Way
Chapter 34 His Heart Is Firm. Trusting in the Lord
Chapter 35 Hasid and Parush
Chapter 36 The Way of Hesed
Chapter 37 The Humble Man
Chapter 38 Hillel and the Once-Rich Poor Man
Chapter 39 Gentle and Bearing Insult
Chapter 40 Disciple of Ezra
Chapter 41 Hillel's Teaching Style
Chapter 42 Hillel and the Rich
Chapter 43 Holy Spirit, Holy Legacy
Chapter 44 A Good Name versus a Great Name
Chapter 45 The Holy Spirit
Chapter 46 The Rejoicing of the Water-drawing
Chapter 47 Hillel's Death
Chapter 48 If I am Not for Myself
Chapter 49 In Favor of Shammai
Chapter 50 A Unique Balance