Pilot entry: source checked; awaiting review by readers from this tradition.
Original source · Historical tradition
Mishnah, tractate Pirkei Avot (Avot, 'Ethics of the Fathers'): Pirkei Avot 1:14 (Hillel), 1:15 (Shammai), 1:16 (Rabban Gamaliel), 1:17 (Shimon son of Gamaliel)
“If I am not for myself, who is for me? But if I am for my own self [only], what am I?”Translation: Dr. Joshua Kulp, Mishnah Yomit (CC BY), via Sefaria
Hillel teaches that a person must take responsibility for themselves, yet self-concern alone is not enough, and that action should not be put off ('if not now, when?'). Shammai urges making Torah study a fixed practice, speaking little and doing much, and greeting everyone cheerfully. Shimon son of Gamaliel says that silence is best and that deeds, not study alone, are what matter most.
Read the full passage at the source.
Edition: Translation by Dr. Joshua Kulp, Mishnah Yomit, licensed CC BY, via Sefaria.
Historical context
Historical context
Pirkei Avot is a tractate of the Mishnah, redacted c. 200 CE under Rabbi Judah ha-Nasi. Hillel and Shammai are generally placed in the late 1st century BCE to early 1st century CE. The chapter presents a chain of transmission of Torah from Sinai through the sages.
Interpretations differ
Within the tradition
Widely studied in Jewish communities, traditionally in the weeks between Passover and Shavuot or through the summer. Commentators from Rashi and Maimonides to modern teachers read Hillel's saying in different ways, for example as balancing self-responsibility with communal obligation. Orthodox, Conservative, Reform and other communities draw different emphases.
Respect and care
Cultural protocol
These sayings belong to the tradition of Torah study, where study and practice are held together. We present them in that setting rather than as secular aphorisms.
21 EFFECTS contemporary reflection · Faith
A practice inspired by this text
This practice is a 21 EFFECTS reflection. It is not the tradition’s own teaching or its only meaning, and you do not need to share its beliefs to use it.
- Write one value you often speak about.
- Choose one concrete deed that would express it.
- Do it today, and speak about it less than you act on it.
Which of my declared values have I not yet turned into a deed?
Does this speak to you?
Saved sources accompany your journey days as an extra reflection. Private, on this device only.
Further research
Go to the source
Mishnah, tractate Pirkei Avot (Avot, 'Ethics of the Fathers'): Pirkei Avot 1:14 (Hillel), 1:15 (Shammai), 1:16 (Rabban Gamaliel), 1:17 (Shimon son of Gamaliel). Read the passage in full, in context, and with teachers from the tradition where possible. Spotted an error? Send a correction.