Think Big

Several years ago, renowned radio and TV host Dave Ramsey addressed a diverse audience of thousands at a convention, sharing insights from a book he believed had profoundly changed his life.

The book, Thou Shall Prosper by Rabbi Daniel Lapin, explores how Jewish communities have historically thrived beyond their proportional representation in society. Today, despite comprising only 3% of the U.S. population, Jewish individuals make up an astonishing 67% of the Forbes 400 list.

Ramsey shared, “Among many lessons, the book emphasizes a Jewish tradition that highlights the importance of generosity. During the Kiddush and Havdalah ceremonies, which mark the beginning and end of Shabbat, there is a custom in which the cup of wine is filled to overflowing, spilling into the plate below. This symbolizes that our blessings should not only be sufficient for ourselves and our families but should also create an abundance that benefits others.

"It is the success of businesses and their leaders that allows the cup to overflow, serving a purpose beyond just the owners.”

In many cultures, wealth is often viewed as a necessary evil, seen as a source of jealousy, ego, and material indulgence. As a result, asceticism is sometimes regarded as essential to leading a meaningful, humble, and spiritual life.

In contrast, Judaism teaches that wealth, when used correctly, is a tremendous blessing. It can be one of the most spiritually uplifting resources, enabling individuals to create a positive impact in the world.

This idea is reflected in this week's Torah portion, Teruma, in which G-d commands the Jewish people to contribute to the construction of the Tabernacle in the desert. As the verse states:

"Speak to the children of Israel and have them take for Me an offering; from every person whose heart inspires him to generosity, you shall take My offering. And this is the offering that you shall take from them: gold, silver, and copper. And they shall make Me a sanctuary, and I will dwell in their midst." (Exodus 25:2-3,8)

Every Jew, regardless of age or gender, was commanded to donate toward the construction of the Tabernacle. At first glance, this might seem surprising—one might expect such a sacred space to be built only by the most elevated individuals. However, the Torah conveys a powerful message: every person has the ability to create a dwelling place for G-d.

This also helps us understand why gold was mentioned first when G-d commanded the Jewish people to contribute to the Sanctuary. Logically, one would expect the request to begin with materials more accessible to everyone, given the varying financial means of the people. So why did G-d list gold first?

In essence, G-d was teaching the Jewish people to think big and give generously, even if it seemed beyond their means. When a person commits to something positive beyond their natural capabilities, G-d grants him or her the ability to fulfill their pledge and actualize their dreams.

This also explains why such grandeur and wealth were necessary in constructing the Temple and its vessels. Wouldn’t it have been more appropriate to focus on the spiritual aspects and build a more modest dwelling for G-d?

Our sages taught that G-d created gold so it could be used in the Temple for His glory. Yet, once created, He allowed people to enjoy it as well. This teaching underscores the true purpose of wealth and power—to create a home for G-d in this world through the study of Torah and the fulfillment of mitzvot. If we find ourselves blessed with wealth, we must remember that its ultimate purpose is to fulfill our divine mission.

As Maimonides teaches, “Everything that is for the sake of G‑d should be of the best and most beautiful. When one builds a house of prayer, it should be more beautiful than his own dwelling. When one feeds the hungry, he should offer them the finest and sweetest food from his table...”

The Talmud further states, “There is no concept of wealth and poverty other than in the mind (Daat).” True wealth, therefore, is not defined by the balance in our bank accounts but by our mindset and how we use our resources.

Throughout history, the Jewish people have experienced both prosperity and hardship. In the last few centuries, many Jewish communities endured significant poverty due to the severe restrictions imposed upon them in various parts of the world.

Thankfully, many in today’s generation face the unique blessing and challenge of affluence. Wealth tests our character, relationships, and Jewish identity. Yet, we are empowered to rise to this challenge and harness our resources for the greater good.

The Rebbe, Menachem Mendel Schneerson, played a pivotal role in guiding a post-Holocaust generation to embrace an expansive, positive mindset regarding wealth and Judaism. Initially, his approach was met with skepticism, but over time, it revolutionized Jewish thought and practice.

This philosophy was evident during a Chassidic Purim Farbrengen (soulful gathering) in 1955. Addressing a group recent immigrants and Holocaust survivors, the Rebbe spoke about the challenges and opportunities that wealth presents.

At the conclusion of his talk, he made an extraordinary announcement: anyone who wished to be tested with wealth should raise their hand, and he would bless them with it. Out of the hundreds present, only three individuals raised their hands. Soon after, all three became tremendously wealthy. However, the Rebbe expressed disappointment that so few had seized the opportunity.

Over time, he inspired an entire generation to think big and use their talents and resources to positively transform the world.

In a landmark address in 1992, the Rebbe issued a practical directive: every Jew should seek both spiritual and material wealth. He stated, “At this time, each and every member of the present generation—the last generation of exile and the first generation of Redemption—is surely worthy of abundant material wealth.”

As Maimonides explains, wealth enables one to give generously to charity, study Torah, perform endless acts of goodness and kindness, and fulfill mitzvot in a more complete way.

This abundance of wealth serves as a prelude to the era of Redemption, when the world will experience peace and prosperity for all. As Maimonides concludes:

"In that era, there will be neither famine nor war, neither envy nor competition, for good will flow in abundance, and all delights will be as freely available as dust."