Hillel

Hillel lived between 70 B.C.E. and 10 C.E. He was a Jewish sage and creator of rabbinic Judaism. Born in Babylonia, he went to Judea to complete his studies under the Pharisees. He was the most important leader among the Jews of Judea from 30 B.C. until his death in 10 C.E. He was called Hillel HaZaken because of the respect people gave him, not becuase of his physical age. He was known for …

…occupation and the corruption that came with Herod. A result of these problems the Oral Torah was feared to begin being forgotten. Hillel lived right before the time when the Oral Torah was recorded on paper to preserve it. Hillel had a major impact on Judaism during his time period and present day. He is regarded as a positive influence on the fate of the Jewish religion. We continue to study and practice his teachings.