Make your [study of the] Torah a fixed practice; speak little, but do much.

“Shammai used to say: Make your [study of the] Torah a fixed practice; speak little, but do much; and receive all men with a pleasant countenance.”

Tractate of Avot 1:15

We should relate to kind deeds and spiritual growth as our most important endeavors. Practice, action, and behavior—rather than theory—are the essence of life. There is no point in learning about values if we don’t implement them. We must do good deeds and help others. It is not enough to preach—we must aspire to be the best version of ourselves on all possible levels.

Kindness flows when we put others before ourselves.

“Hillel and Shammai received [the oral tradition] from them. Hillel used to say: Be of the disciples of Aaron, loving peace and pursuing peace, loving mankind and drawing them close to the Torah.”

Tractate of Avot 1:12

Peace must not only be valued but pursued, introduced, and expanded so that all men and women can benefit from its light.

Certainty in the love and blessings of the Creator leads to peacefulness and the end of violence. 

“Every gathering that is for the sake of heaven will in the end endure, and every gathering that is not for the sake of heaven will not endure in the end.” Which is the controversy that is for the sake of heaven? Such was the controversy of Hillel and Shammai. And which is the controversy that is not for the sake of heaven? Such was the controversy of Korah and all his congregation.”

Tractate of Avot 5:17

Any group founded on authentic devotion, such as the schools led by Hillel and Shammai, will last for a significant time. Conversely, groups driven by selfishness and negativity, such as Korah’s congregation, are doomed to fail.

Devotion combines self-discovery with love; as we discover our life’s purpose, we devote ourselves to others and to our cause.