The Life and Teachings of Hillel provides the most comprehensive treatment ever published of one of the greatest figures in Jewish tradition. Yitzhak Buxbaum weaves together the various stories about Hillel along with his teachings and sayings to develop this ground-breaking portrait; shedding new light on Hillel's illustrious career; fascinating life; and profound teachings. Hillel is one of the most important and popular of the talmudic sages; yet he is mostly known only in the context of two or three popular stories told about him. Such stories as teaching the "Golden Rule" of Torah "while standing on one foot;" and his saying; "If I am not for myself; who will be for me; and if I am for myself alone; who am I;" have eclipsed a more complete view of Hillel's influence and significance. In the rabbinic tradition; there is much debate between the teachings of the school of Hillel and that of his contemporary; Shammai. Hillel is often seen as the more tolerant; softer teacher; with his teachings representing what we consider "normative" Judaism. Often; the traditions passed down to modern times are a result of the rabbis' reconciliation of the two schools; so that Hillel's pure teachings have been lost. The Life and Teachings of Hillel separates out Hillel's teachings and looks at them independently of Shammai's. Studied on their own; it becomes evident that Hillel was actually much more radical and "hasidic" than is commonly thought. While he is known for representing the gentler; more loving side of Judaism; in this work his pious radicalism is also apparent. Readers will be charmed and fascinated by Hillel's fiery gentleness. The Life and Teachings of Hillel offers new information about a radiant religious figure; and it also recovers a side of Jewish tradition that has been lost to most people.
#588502 in Books Temple University Press 1994-05-26Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .90 x 6.00l; 1.41 #File Name: 1566391717424 pages
Review
9 of 11 people found the following review helpful. Not June CleaverBy katiekThis is a great compliation of essays about women during the 1950s who did not fit the idealized "feminine mystique" of the housewife. Joanne Meyerowitz's essay responding to Betty Friedan's "The Feminine Mystique" is particularly interesting and reavealing. Meyerowitz conducted thourough research and came to the conclusion that the media; while celebrating domesticity; simultaniously applauded women who acheived in politics; careers; volunteer work and other areas outside the home. The book includes sections on Chinese American women and their arrival after the second world war; the brutal murder of Emmett Till; women labor activists; nurses; and education. It is comprehensive and highly historical; but easy and interesting for non-reasearchers to read.7 of 12 people found the following review helpful. Refreshing readingBy Robin OrlowskiLike many gen-x progressives; I had absorbed the popular portrayal of the 'feminine mystique' without realizing there were still progressives fighting the good fight in post-war America. Not until working on a graduate level independent study did I realize how easily the mass media had distorted and hidden a facinating history of feminism and progressivism--at a time supposedly anthetical to both.Without diminishing the hardships that did exist (restrictions on abortion; contraceptives; pregnancy discrimination; racial discrimination; homophobic bar raids) she shows how these groups responsed with ingenuity and independence. As an added plus; the book confirms dissent was much larger than the mass media or public officials cared to actually admit back to the general public. This false reassurance temporarily fit into the cold-war's emphasis on bland conformity; but it silenced many people's experiences until now.Progressive actions must have been impossible in the era of McCarthyism's suppression of political and cultural dissent; but perseverance made the women's victories all the more rewarding. Furthermore; many of the same women profiled in Meyerowitz's book used the time to lay critical groundwork essential for the 'revolutionary' 1960's and 1970's. Feminism did not simply reconstitute itself after an 'abscence' following suffrage victory; but was marginalized by an unspoken arrangement between the media and politics.Buy two copies of this book. One for yourself---and one to give your least favirote far right politican a much needed wakeup call.
