HILLEL

called Hazaken (‘the elder’) B.C.-10 A.D.),.a Jewish rabbi, was a native of Babylon. When he was already verging towards old age, he bez an to study law under Shemaien and Abtalion in Jerusalem, and soon grew famous for his profound lore, whereby, according to the Talmud, he comprehended all tongues, even those of trees and beasts. Being well-nigh pennile , his learning was only acquired by exceptional zeal and self-denial. It is unlikely that he was ever president of the Sanhedrin, yet his humility and loving-kindne , and what has been described as the ‘sweetne and light’ of his personality, ensured the popularity of his teaching, which, like that of Jesus, was ever averse from ‘sacerdotal traditionalism’ and _ blind adherence to legal ordinance.