Hillel the Elder
Hillel the Elder, from the lineage of David, flourished around 20 B.C.E. The leading scholar of his day, his teachings have greatly influenced both Judaism and Christianity. His grandson, Rabban Gamaliel, taught the apostle Paul (Acts 22:3)
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The School of Hillel valued humane compassion for all people and was concerned with how the interpretation of Scripture would make life more enjoyable through greater freedom in obeying Torah. Unlike his theocentric counterpart, Shammai, HIllel's approach was more anthropocentric. He and Shammai carried on intense debates over issues of Torah interpretation, 300 of which are recorded in Talmudic literature. Hillel was known for his kindness and winsome personality, by which he would draw secular-minded Jews under the wings of the divine presence.