What Is Hateful To You

Rabbi Hillel the Elder (born circa 110 BCE in Babylon – died circa 10 CE in Jerusalem) stands among the most revered sages in Jewish history. Tradition holds that he was born into a modest family and journeyed to Jerusalem as a young man, driven by a relentless desire for Torah study and spiritual understanding. Despite severe poverty—which once forced him to climb onto the roof of the study hall to overhear lessons when he could not afford the admission fee—Hillel devoted himself to learning with exceptional humility and perseverance. Over time, his humility, patience, and profound wisdom elevated him to become the Nasi (president) of the Sanhedrin, the highest judicial and scholarly authority of his society.

Hillel’s teachings centered on humility, compassion, and the ethical heart of Judaism. He famously distilled the Torah’s moral essence into a single principle: “What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor; this is the whole Torah—the rest is commentary. Go and learn it.” His patient, inclusive approach to law and interpretation stood in notable contrast to the stricter school of his contemporary, Shammai. The debates between the Houses of Hillel and Shammai helped shape the rabbinic method of respectful argument, a tradition that became foundational for the Talmud.

As a communal leader, Hillel emphasized peace, understanding, and
the accessibility of divine wisdom to all. His rulings consistently reflected a balance of justice and compassion, seeking to uplift rather than burden. He urged humility in study, kindness toward others, and joy in serving God. Today, Hillel’s legacy endures not only in Jewish study and practice but also in the ethical imagination of humanity, reminding us that holiness begins with empathy and that true wisdom is expressed through love of neighbor and reverence for life.