בס”ד
Humility and Strictness: Lessons from Hillel and Shammai
In our daily lives, we are often faced with choices that require us to respond in a certain way. Two important qualities that can help us in making these decisions are humility and strictness. Although they are quite different, both qualities can guide us in finding the right path and living in alignment with our values.
Humility: The Power of Hillel
Hillel was a great sage, known for his humility and modesty. For Hillel, humility was not just a virtue but a way of life. He believed that we should always be aware of our own limitations and recognize that we are part of a larger whole in the world. According to Hillel, the greatest wisdom comes from humility – the ability to acknowledge that there is always more to learn, that we can help others, and that we are stronger together than alone.
Hillel taught us that humility does not mean diminishing ourselves but placing ourselves within a broader perspective. It means treating others with respect, valuing their opinions, and always striving for the good, even if it means tolerating and respectfully engaging with opposing viewpoints, rather than compromising our core beliefs. True respect for others necessitates understanding their perspectives without compromising one’s core convictions. This attitude allows us to approach the world with more compassion and remain open to the different ways people seek the good.
Strictness: The Power of Shammai
On the other hand, there was Shammai, another great sage, known for his strictness and determination. While Hillel emphasized that we should approach the world with gentleness and patience, Shammai stressed the importance of clear rules, boundaries, and principles. According to Shammai, it was essential not to yield to what is easy or popular, but to hold firm to the truth, no matter how difficult it might be.
Shammai’s strictness was meant to ensure that the values of justice and truth were not diluted. He emphasized that if we truly want to grow and develop, we cannot allow deviations from the right path to distract us. Where Hillel found strength in patience, Shammai found strength in discipline – the discipline to stay true to what is just, even when it’s hard.
Humility and Strictness in Balance
Although Hillel and Shammai had two different approaches, they taught us that both qualities – humility and strictness – are undeniably valuable. The teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe emphasize that these qualities are not mutually exclusive, but rather complementary. The Rebbe frequently advocated for “conducting oneself in ways of pleasantness without sacrificing principles.” This means that one can simultaneously exhibit kindness and respect towards others, while maintaining an unwavering commitment to truth. It is not always easy to determine when we should show humility and when we should be strict, but their lives provide us with a clear example of how we can use both qualities at the right moments. This approach does not involve rejecting others, but rather elevates them by engaging in respectful dialogue and upholding principles that foster growth.
In this context, Rav Kook teaches us that while both Hillel’s humility and Shammai’s strictness are valuable, the approach of Shammai can be challenging for many people to apply in a balanced way. Strictness, if not handled with care, can easily lead to rigidity or even extremism. That is why, while respecting both approaches, Jewish tradition tends to follow the path of Hillel. His way is grounded in truth but remains more accessible and sustainable for most people, ensuring that we uphold principles without falling into excess
Strictness, if not handled carefully, can lead to excessive rigidity or even extremism. That is why, in practice, Jewish tradition follows the path of Hillel. His approach, while still grounded in truth, is more accessible and sustainable for most people.
Hillel’s humility teaches us that we do not always have the answers, but through patience and respect for others, we can seek the truth. It is an invitation to remain open to new perspectives and never to consider ourselves superior. At the same time, Shammai reminds us that there are moments when we must stand firm in what is right, even if others do not agree. Yet, because the path of strictness can so easily be misapplied, tradition ultimately guides us to follow Hillel’s way – balancing kindness with commitment to truth in a way that remains practical and sustainable.
The Lesson of Hillel and Shammai for Us
The wisdom of Hillel and Shammai reminds us that we should never judge the value of one quality over the other. The truth is that both humility and strictness are essential, but it’s important to understand when each quality applies. As the ancient sage said: “Let all your deeds be for the sake of Heaven.” This means that we should always strive for the highest good, but how we achieve that may vary depending on the situation and the people around us.
For most people, it is necessary to have an example to look up to. Great thinkers such as Hillel and Shammai can help us find the right path. Hillel taught us how we can use humility to live in harmony with the world, while Shammai taught us how we can stand firm in our beliefs and protect the truth. But as Rav Kook teaches, while we should respect both, in practice, we follow the way of Hillel, as it ensures that truth is upheld without the risk of harshness or distortion.
Conclusion
In life, we often face choices between humility and strictness. The teachings of Hillel and Shammai show us that both qualities are valuable, but it’s important to know when to apply each. Hillel’s emphasis on patience, respect, and openness contrasts with Shammai’s focus on discipline and standing firm in what is right.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe teaches that these approaches are complementary, advocating for pleasantness without compromising principles. This aligns with Rav Kook’s view that while strictness is necessary, it must be applied with care to avoid excess. In practice, Hillel’s way—balancing kindness with truth—offers the most sustainable path for most people.
Ultimately, we should strive to follow the example of Hillel and Shammai, drawing from both humility and strictness to navigate life’s challenges with justice, truth, and compassion.
By Angelique Sijbolts
With thanks for the inspiration and feedback of Batya Yaniger and feedback of Rabbi Moshe Bernstein
Sources
“And this is also the instruction to all his disciples and associates and those who follow his ways, that the manner of work should be in the ways of pleasure, that one must indeed stand firm and not give up on anything, but, “not to break it,” but rather, to elevate it and bring it closer to the Torah and Mitzvot in general, and to the Torah of Hasidism in particular.”
Shabbat Pinchas, 14 Tammuz 5777. Torat Menachem Vol. 20, pp. 154-160
Shabbat 30, Ein Aya par 112, from Rav Kook
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