אִם לֹא עַכְשָׁיו אֵימָתַי
Im Lo Achshav Eimatai
“If not now, when?”
Im Lo Achshav Eimatai (אִם לֹא עַכְשָׁיו אֵימָתַי) is a Hebrew phrase meaning “if not now, when?,” pronounced “im lo akh-SHAV ei-ma-TAI.” The literal translation is “if not now, when?.” A famous Talmudic saying by Rabbi Hillel, challenging procrastination and urging immediate action.
| Hebrew | אִם לֹא עַכְשָׁיו אֵימָתַי |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Im Lo Achshav Eimatai |
| English Meaning | If not now, when? |
| Literal Translation | If not now, when? |
| Pronunciation | im lo akh-SHAV ei-ma-TAI |
| Category | Wisdom & Proverbs |
| Origin | Talmudic — Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers) 1:14, attributed to Rabbi Hillel the Elder (circa 110 BCE – 10 CE). Hillel was one of the most important figures in Jewish history, known for his patience, humility, and concise wisdom. |
Two thousand years ago, the great Rabbi Hillel posed three questions that distilled the essence of ethical living into a single sentence: 'Im ein ani li, mi li? Ukh'she'ani l'atzmi, ma ani? V'im lo achshav, eimatai?' — If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when? The final question — im lo achshav eimatai — has taken on a life of its own as a standalone call to action. It's the Jewish answer to procrastination, the spiritual equivalent of 'seize the day.' Hillel understood that good intentions without timely action are worthless. Tomorrow is a promise no one can guarantee.
Where Does “Im Lo Achshav Eimatai” Come From?
Talmudic — Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers) 1:14, attributed to Rabbi Hillel the Elder (circa 110 BCE – 10 CE). Hillel was one of the most important figures in Jewish history, known for his patience, humility, and concise wisdom.
When and How to Say “Im Lo Achshav Eimatai”
Quoted in motivational contexts, ethical discussions, and calls to action. Used in Jewish education, sermons, and social justice movements. The phrase has been adopted by activists, entrepreneurs, and leaders worldwide as a mantra for urgency and moral action.
Cultural Context of Im Lo Achshav Eimatai
Hillel's teaching resonates deeply in Israeli culture, which values action over deliberation. The startup nation ethos — 'just do it' — echoes 'Im lo achshav, eimatai.' The phrase also carries weight in social justice contexts: if injustice exists now, waiting to address it is its own form of complicity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say “If not now, when?” in Hebrew?
“If not now, when?” in Hebrew is Im Lo Achshav Eimatai (אִם לֹא עַכְשָׁיו אֵימָתַי), pronounced “im lo akh-SHAV ei-ma-TAI.” The literal translation is “If not now, when?.” A famous Talmudic saying by Rabbi Hillel, challenging procrastination and urging immediate action.
How do you pronounce Im Lo Achshav Eimatai?
Im Lo Achshav Eimatai is pronounced “im lo akh-SHAV ei-ma-TAI.” The literal meaning is “If not now, when?.”
Who was Rabbi Hillel?
Rabbi Hillel the Elder (circa 110 BCE – 10 CE) was one of the most influential rabbis in Jewish history. Born in Babylon, he traveled to Jerusalem to study Torah. He was known for his patience, humility, and ability to distill complex teachings into simple principles. His most famous teaching: 'What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. That is the whole Torah; the rest is commentary.'
What is Pirkei Avot?
Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers) is a tractate of the Mishnah containing ethical teachings and maxims from the rabbis of the Mishnaic period (circa 200 BCE – 200 CE). It's unique in the Talmud because it contains no legal rulings — only wisdom and moral guidance. It's traditionally studied between Passover and Rosh Hashanah, one chapter per week.
What is the full quote from Hillel?
The full teaching is: 'Im ein ani li, mi li? Ukh'she'ani l'atzmi, ma ani? V'im lo achshav, eimatai?' — If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when? It balances self-care, responsibility to others, and urgency — three pillars of ethical living in one sentence.
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