Shammai, the great rabbi of Israel
Salton what Auguste and Joseph Lemann say[1], it is from this figure that the term "to quarrel" comes. It would originate from the violent disputes often verbal, but also physical, that opposed the Disciples of Scammaï to those of Hillel, both of whom led the Sanhedrin. The Sanhedrin is indeed placed under the authority of its President who directs the legislative debates. Hillel held this responsibility for forty years. An assistant directed the trials. He was called Av Beth din, probably held by Sciammaï. These two positions were indeed traditionally entrusted to the two greatest legal authorities of the time.
Sciammaï, fearing that the Jewish people would become corrupted by associating with the Roman occupier, as had happened several years earlier with the Seleucids, developed a rigorist interpretation of the Law. He went as far as to preach that a hen laying an Sabbath egg did not respect the precept prohibiting any work on that day. This case was submitted to the young Jesus during his majority examination.[2] He answered by showing a great deal of knowledge and insight, which surprised his examiners.
Sciammaï and his supporters entered into a controversy with Hillel, the liberal, regarding an interpretation of the prophecy of Daniel about the coming of the Messiah. One voice was heard:"It is Gamaliel who is right!"[3]It is the young Jesus. He then supports a surprising dialogue with the great Doctors of Israel as reported in the Gospel.[4]
Character and appearance
He had the reputation of being austere, hot-tempered and impatient.
Apostolic career
The clashes between Hillel and Sciammaï caused the Pharisee party to split into two branches, one liberal and the other rigorist. One was open to Jesus' message, the other firmly opposed. This is reflected in the Gospel and in the work of Maria Valtorta.
His name
שמאי
Scammaï, Shammaï, Schammaï, Sammaï means "loss or desolation". Historical reference: some secondary characters.
Where is he mentioned in the work?
EMV 40 EMV 41
Learn more about this character
- Salton Daniel-Rops, Schammaï was a carpenter since everyone was supposed to have a trade (Jesus in his time - p.146)
- Hillel and Shammai in the Jewish Virtual Library (in English)
- Hillel and Schammai in "Palestine at the time of Jesus"