Hillel and Shevna Split Their Reward
Hillel learns Torah while his brother Shevna does business, and Shevna offers half his wealth for half of Hillel’s reward until a Heavenly voice rebukes him.
Rather, it refers to Hillel and Shevna. Hillel and Shevna were brothers; Hillel engaged in Torah, Shevna in business. After they were both successful in their pursuits, Shevna suggested to his brother, “Let us be partners and split our profits. You can have half of my estate, and you give me half of your reward for studying Torah.” A voice emanated from Heaven, “If a man would give all his wealth for love (Torah learning), they will scorn him.”