The great Hillel the Elder is as an everlasting role model for all history. Part of that immense legacy can be tied to one specific Shabbat on the Pesach holiday.


Hillel the Elder never sought position or title. An immigrant to Judea from Babylon, he sat in the yeshiva under the

Hillel's message of conciliation possessed a special significance.

tutelage of the Torah giants Shemaya and Avtalyon and delved into the study of the Torah. He eventually became the preeminent sage of his generation. From Hillel, a dynasty of rabbinic leaders emerged that would last for hundreds of years.


Hillel's life, whether as a woodcutter or as the eventual head of the Sanhedrin, was always a paradigm of modesty and humility. Passages and anecdotes in the Talmud relate Hillel's noble and humble character, as well as his efforts to emphasize the immense importance of peaceful relations between individuals. During chaotic eras of strife and infighting during the rule of the Roman puppet King Herod, which followed the rule of the feuding leaders of the latter Chashmonaim, Hillel's message of conciliation possessed a special significance.


Specific circumstances led to his attainment of the lofty position as head of the Sanhedrin, known as the Nasi.


When the eve of the upcoming Passover holiday was scheduled to fall on the Shabbat, the question arose whether the Passover sacrifice, which involves various forms of labor forbidden on Shabbat, could be brought. Does the Passover sacrifice override the laws of Shabbat? No one could answer the question. Not even the leaders of the generation, the Bnei Beteira.


It may seem odd, since Passover eve falls on the Sabbath at least once every fourteen years, that such a law was collectively forgotten. One can surmise it to be the intervention of the Almighty.


Soon, the suggestion arose that the scholar Hillel might possess the answer. Sure enough, Hillel ruled that the Passover sacrifice is offered when Passover eve falls on the Shabbat. He explained that the Passover sacrifice and the daily sacrifice, which is brought on the Sabbath, known as the Tamid, can be connected by a common word (moed - "festival") used in the Torah in reference to both. Just as the Tamid, which involves forms of labor, is brought on the Shabbat, so too the Korban Pesach can be brought on the Shabbat. Hillel also came to this decision based upon a Talmudic principle known as a Kal VaChomer.


The Passover sacrifice was brought in its proper time that year; yet, more happened.


The princes of the Sanhedrin, who jointly shared the role as heads of the Sanhedrin by dividing the service into

The Passover sacrifice was brought in its proper time that year; yet, more happened.

terms, the Bnei Beteira, stepped down in deference to Hillel. They understood that Hillel was truly the most qualified for the post. It is appropriate for the Nasi to take this form of action in such a situation; nevertheless, it should not be taken for granted, especially considering that these events followed the era of the latter Chashmonaim, in which leadership feuds, strife and civil war were so common in Judea.


Circumstances allowed Hillel's ascent to his rightful position. His leadership would teach and inspire Jewry for the next two thousand years. The great leaders and preeminent scholars, the Bnei Beteira, showed humility and decency by stepping aside for Hillel. Their deeds, too, are recorded for posterity. They teach the importance of humility and true leadership, which is to serve G-d and care for the welfare of the nation.


What a special Shabbat and Erev Pesach it must have been. How special that same Shabbat on the calendar this year can be for us when we reflect upon the immense messages that were conveyed in the days of Hillel and the Bnei Beteira.