Two thousand years ago, the patience of Hillel and his humane approach were contrasted with Shammai's short fuse by the Talmudic legend of a non-Jew who decided to convert to Judaism. However, the non-Jew wanted to make a stipulation: He wanted to be taught the entire Torah while standing on one foot.
The man went to Shammai and made his request. "I will believe in the God of Israel and abandon idolatry on the condition that you teach me the whole Torah while standing on one foot."
Shammai, who was holding a builder's cubit measuring rod at the time, became angry and furiously whacked the would-be convert with his rod, driving him away for asking such a foolish question.
Hillel's response to the man, as well as the Jewish law, was quite different. When the man approached Hillel and asked him the same question, Hillel answered him with respect and dignity:
"What you do not want someone to do to you,
Do not do to him or her.
This is the whole Torah -- the rest is commentary.
Now go and learn it!"
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Date last modified: July 6, 2009.
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