The Merchant’s Audacity By Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser

A merchant once came to R’ Shraga Feivel Frank to borrow a large sum of money for a certain period of time. R’ Shraga Feivel graciously consented. However, when the loan came due, the merchant did not repay his debt. R’ Shraga Feivel, as was his minhag, did not confront the merchant to claim payment.

Weeks passed, and R’ Shraga Feivel found himself in need of money. His wife recalled the large loan he had given to that merchant, and suggested that they now approach the individual whose financial situation had greatly improved. The rebbetzin went to speak to the merchant about his outstanding loan and to request payment. She was shocked when the merchant defiantly refused to return the money and the rebbetzin returned home deeply upset. R’ Shraga Feivel, with great effort, tried to calm her down.

Time went by, and the same merchant returned to R’ Shraga Feivel – not to pay back the old debt, but to request an additional loan. He promised to repay both loans simultaneously on a specific date. R’ Shraga Feivel was stunned by the audacity of the merchant and said he would have to get back to him with an answer.

When he related this experience to his wife, she asked, “How could you think about lending him more money after the way he has conducted himself, with such chutzpah? I doubt that he will pay back either loan.”