SHAMMAI  , a Jewish

scribe of the time of King Herod, whom tradition almost invariably couples with Hillel (q.v.), with whom he stood in striking contrast, not merely in legal-religious decisions and discussions, but also in character and temperament . His motto (Aboth i . 15) reads: "Make thy study of the Thora a firmly established duty; say little and do much; and receive every man with friendly countenance." The last admonition is characteristic, as Shammai was choleric and brusque . The opposition between Shammai and Hillel was perpetuated by their respective schools, till, under Gamaliel II., the strife was decided at Jabneh in favour of the school of Hillel . (W .