Emuna

There was a case of a non-Jew who came before Shammai and asked him: “How many Torahs do you have?” Shammai answered: “Two – the Written Law and the Oral Law.” The non-Jew said: “About the Written Law, I believe you. About the Oral Law, I do not believe you. Convert me on condition that you will teach me the Written Law.” Shammai scolded him and sent him away angrily.

There are people who hold an important title for which they are naturally fit. In such a case, it is fitting to refer to the person by his title without even needing to mention his name. That is because his personal status is totally overshadowed by his position by means of his capabilities fitting his position exactly.

[We continue with the story of the person who tried to upset Hillel and disturbed him while he was bathing before Shabbat.] Hillel put on a cloak, went out to him, and said: “My son, what is that you desire?” He said: “I have a question to ask.” Hillel said to him: “Ask, my son, ask.” “Why is it that the heads of Babylonians are round?” Hillel responded: “My son, you have asked a great question. It is because they lack expert midwives [and babies with round heads come out more easily].”

Our Rabbis learned: One should always be humble like Hillel and not confrontational like Shammai. There was a case of two people who made a bet, saying: “Whoever will go and anger Hillel will get 400 zuz.” One said: “I will go and anger him.” That day was Friday, and Hillel was washing his head. He went and passed by Hillel’s house. He said: “Who here is Hillel? Who here is Hillel?” Hillel got dressed and came out to him.

The Rabbis learned: One should always be humble like Hillel and not a kapdan (exacting and impatient) like Shammai.

When the Household of the Chashmonaim defeated [the Greeks], they checked and found only one flask with a seal of the Kohen Gadol, and there was only enough to light for one day. A miracle occurred with it, and they lit from it for seven days.

What are examples of contradictions within Mishlei? It says, Do not answer a fool according to his folly” (Mishlei 26:4) and it says, “Answer a fool according to his folly” (ibid. 5). It is not a problem, as one is talking about matters of Torah (one answers) and one is talking about general matters (one does not answer).