Wisdom of Rabbi Hillel
If I am not for myself, who will be for me?
But if I am only for myself, who am I?
If not now, when?
These words from Rabbi Hillel (110 BCE-10 CE) have inspired me for decades. They capture
the intimate relationship between self-affirmation and self-transcendence necessary for
compassionate social change. To Hillel, social change and healthy relatedness always begins
with the self, with our agency and affirmation, our willingness to advocate for deepest needs and
for justice to ourselves and our kin. Social activists need to care for their interests as well as
those for whom we advocate. In my experience, this means self-care and development our
particular gifts and talents along with the ability to say “no” as well as “yes” to requests for our
services. It means self-nurture, self-development, and self-affirmation. Church theologian
Irenaeus asserted that “the glory of God is a person fully alive.” In a similar tone, theologian,
pastor, and activist Howard Thurman counseled, “Don’t ask yourself what the world needs; ask
yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is
people who have come alive” Passion and vocation are intertwined; living out our passions takes
us beyond ourselves to discover where our passions respond to the world’s needs.
Social activists need to cultivate spirituality for the long haul and health for struggle. The work
is hard, success often deferred, and spiritual depth prevents burnout and also liberates us from
polarizing behaviors and words. Learning practices of self-care and spiritual growth are essential
for compassionate and creative social activism.
But, “if I’m only for myself, what am I?” We are connected. We are part of one another. In
fact, in an interdependent world, there is not “other,” isolated and separate from us. As Jesus
counseled, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” This means care for your neighbor, outreach to the
stranger, and compassion for those with whom you disagree. Be, as the Jesuits say, a person for
others, seeking for others the privileges that may come naturally to you. This challenges us to
promote a politics of caring for the other and policies based on our common humanity.
“If not now – when?” Some things can’t wait. The key issues of our time need attention now,
not ten years from now. From healthy self-love and care for others comes insight into what is
needed now, and how we can accomplish it. We can’t do everything, but in this particular
moment, the world demands that we “come alive” in caring for others, that we go beyond self-
interest to world loyalty, and in this Holy Here and Now, become God’s partners in healing the
world.
Hillel has a word for us: share love in this very moment, love yourself in this very moment, ease
pain this very moment, welcome strangers this very moment, seek healing and wholeness in the
here and now.
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Bruce Epperly is a pastor, professor, and author of over sixty books, including “The Prophet
Amos Speaks to America: Ancient Wisdom for the Contemporary World,” “Mystics in Action:
Twelve Saints for Today,” “Walking with Francis of Assisi: From Privilege to Activism,”
“Process Theology and Politics,” and “Prophetic Healing: Howard Thurman’s Vision of
Contemplative Activism.” He may be reached at drbruceepperly@gmail.com