The Life and Teachings of Hillel

by Yitzhak Buxbaum

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780742565876
Publisher:	Aronson, Jason Inc.
Publication date:	09/10/2008
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	392
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Yitzhak Buxbaum is a maggid, a Jewish inspirational speaker and storyteller, and directs a program to train people to be maggidim. He is the author of ten books, including Jewish Spiritual Practices and The Light and Fire of the Baal Shem Tov. Maggid Buxbaum has a website, 'The Jewish Spirit Online,' at www.jewishspirit.com. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Table of Contents

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

Editorial Reviews

Yitzhak Buxbaum's book is a comprehensive study of the quotations and comments found in rabbinic literature about Hillel, who is probably the best known of the ancient sages.
In an era of growing religious extremism, Hillel's liberalism in interpreting the halacha could perhaps serve as a beacon to modern-day rabbis to follow in his pious and liberal footsteps.

Journal Of The Royal Musical Association

Hillel, the oft-quoted sage who lived sometime between the second quarter of the last century B.C.E. and 10 C.E., is captured from all perspectives through his teachings. Some biographical details emerge, but the emphasis is on his gentle personality which suffused his teachings. It is this aspect which the author finds to be so attractive to contemporary Jews. Sample chapter titles are: Charity and Peace; Hillel and Herod; The Humble Man; Hillel's Teaching Style. The book ably demonstrates why Hillel's teachings were so influential and are still so popular.

Jewish Book World

The extraordinary nature of Hillel comes to life in the pages of this book. A long needed spiritual biography of one of the greatest talmudic teachers and religious figures is presented to us in a clear and inspiring fashion.

Rabbi Michael Strassfeld

The Life and Teachings of Hillel is a treasure of information relating to all aspects of Jewish life. It is well researched and very well documented. The book brings to life an entire historical period with its giant leaders. It is amazing how much of Hillel's teachings are still applicable in modern times. Any adult Jewish book collection will benefit from the addition of this volume. It is a joy to read!

Journal Of Nietzsche Studies