By Rabbi Yisroel Shusterman
This week’s Parsha
Perspective is dedicated in memory of Elka
bas Zisel OBM
Dedicated in memory
of Leah bas Rochel OBM
In the Talmud,
the sages tell us that before a child is born, the heavenly court decides
whether he or she is destined to live a life of riches or a life of modest
means. Whatever scenario he or she is given, will be part of their life’s test.
And of the two, the test of wealth is more severe. The particular challenge
that money presents is the notion of independence from G‑d. When a person works
to create success and security for himself, it is hard to feel tenderly dependent
on the Creator. It is equally difficult for the wealthy not to feel
intrinsically superior to the average person. To remain humble and G‑d-centered
in the face of prosperity, is a colossal challenge.
Being broke, on the
other hand, is also a test from G‑d. Can you trust that the creator of the
world will provide for your needs? Are you able to maintain the belief that G‑d
is good, despite the bad times? This is the challenging face of poverty.
When the Jews
finally entered into the Land of Israel, where they would set up a
national economic system, they were well-trained to have a very healthy
perspective towards money. Surprisingly, it was not through lectures
orTorah classes that they gleaned this healthy perspective, but through
forty years of eating Manna, as described in this week’s Parsha, Eikev (Devorim [Deuteronomy] 7:12-11:25).
The manna made the
Jew feel both rich and poor simultaneously. Rich, because manna was heavenly
bread, and would miraculously taste like anything its eater requested. It was
absolute wonder bread. But it made them feel poor, since it necessitated
pocket-to-mouth living. Only enough manna fell for the day’s feed. If one left
over food for tomorrow, the leftovers would spoil. G‑d cares, and He
will provide again tomorrow. There was no sense of provisions
surplus; although you were fed today, there was no absolute security for tomorrow.
This is the fear of the business owner whose business makes just enough to stay
afloat. I paid my bills today, but the future is unknown.
For forty years, the
people had to come to terms with their rationed food. Each day they had the
opportunity to practice two helpful meditations: a) All abundance comes from G‑d,
and b) G‑d cares, and He will provide again tomorrow.
Perhaps this is
why Moses preserved a bit of the manna, as a reminder that G-d
Al-mighty is the ultimate source of one’s sustenance. It symbolized
this balanced meditation that may take a lifetime to master. But when practiced
often enough, it affords enormous serenity to the affluent and the indigent
alike.
(Adapted from a talk
by the Lubavitcher Rebbe by Rochel
Holzkenner)
May you
have a meaningful and uplifting Shabbos!
If you would like to
dedicate the weekly Parsha Perspective in honor or
memory of a person or occasion, please contact Rabbi
Shusterman at yshusterman@chedermonsey.org
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