5 Nisan, 5770 Vol. 11, No. 22 Parashas Vayikra
As we examine this wager and the man that attempted to anger Hillel, we realize that this man was a wicked individual who employed every means to try to harm Hillel. To Hillel, becoming angry would have been a very serious error. Yet, this man even turned to diabolical psychological tricks to try to reach his nefarious goal. Now, having lost the bet, he has become extremely angry himself, and that anger is all directed at Hillel for causing him this major financial loss. Money obviously means a lot to him, and the value of patience does not. Hillel, nevertheless, did not give up on him. Hillel tried to enlighten him to the importance of humility and patience. Could this man take the lesson to heart? After trying so hard to induce a lack of patience, after losing his valuable bet, and now in a state of rage, could he be at all receptive to this lesson?