I may have posted this on a previous Passover, but this video about the schools of Hillel and Shammai and arguments “for the sake of heaven” is one of my favorites. It’s done by the Pardes Center for Judaism and Conflict Resolution.
According to a source cited in Wikipedia (who knows?) Hillel worked as a woodcutter while studying the Torah.
For Christians, some people see that Jesus’ teachings were reflective of the Hillel school. There’s actually a spendy book from 1997 on this topic called “Hillel and Jesus: Comparisons of Two Major Religious Leaders“.
In another part of the New Testament (Acts 22:3) Paul claimed that he had been a student of Gamaliel, who was Hillel’s grandson.
Anyway, wisdom is wisdom and Hillel and Shammai both had it. Plus humility. Virtues still needed today. And this reminds me a bit of TSW discussions.
Mordcha: Why should I break my head about the outside world? Let them break their own heads.
Tevye: He’s right. As the Good Book says, “If you spit in the air, it lands in your face.”
Perchik: That’s nonsense. You can’t close your eyes to what’s happening in the world.
Tevye: He’s right.
Avram: He’s right and he’s right? How can they both be right?
Tevye: You know, you’re also right.
Chag Pesach Sameach! and Happy Easter!