during the transition period between the Hasmonean dynasty and the rise of King Herod the Great. Shemaiah is described by Josephus as a disciple of Pollion the Pharisee, who, in rabbinic literature, is known as Abtalion. Herod held both Abtalion and Shemaiah in great honour. Quotes Love work. Hate [having to assume] authority. Do not make yourself known to the government. References Mishnah, Avot 1:10 Josephus, Ant. xiv-xv Heinrich Grätz, Geschichte iii. 171–207, and note 16 Emil Schürer, Geschichte i. 348, 349, 399; ii. 202, 205, 355, 358 Mishnah rabbis Converts to Judaism from paganism 1st-century BCE rabbis Pirkei Avot rabbis Zugot Sanhedrin