Think Big

Several years ago, renowned Radio & TV Host personality Dave Ramsey addressed a diverse audience of thousands at a convention and shared insights from a book that he felt had changed his life.

The book, "Thou Shall Prosper" by Rabbi Daniel Lapin, delves into how the Jewish people have had the tendency to prosper way beyond their population size in every setting they have ever been in throughout history. The Jewish people today, constituting only 3% of the American population, remarkably make up 67% of the Forbes 400 list.

Ramsey shared, "Among many things, the book emphasizes a Jewish tradition that underscores the importance of generosity. In the Kiddush and Havdalah ceremony at the beginning and end of Shabbat each week, there is a special custom that the cup of wine is filled to overflowing and spills into the plate below. The overflowing cup of wine symbolizes that our cup of blessing should overflow and produce not only enough for us and our family, but also produce excess that can provide for others.

It is the success of the business and the leaders of the business that allow the cup to overflow serving a purpose beyond only serving the owners."

In numerous cultures, wealth is often viewed as a necessary evil, seen as the underlying cause of jealousy, ego, and materialistic indulgence. The practice of asceticism appears to be crucial in leading a meaningful, modest, and spiritual lifestyle.

Contrastingly, Judaism imparts the lesson that when utilized appropriately, wealth is a significant blessing and can serve as the most spiritually uplifting resource, enabling individuals to make a positive impact on the world around them.

In this week's Torah portion, Teruma, G-d instructs 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 Chapter 25:2,3,8

Every Jew, regardless of age or gender, was commanded to donate toward its construction. This might seem unusual, as one might expect such a sacred dwelling place for G-d to be constructed only by the most elevated and sophisticated individuals. However, the Torah conveys the very powerful message that every person has the power to establish a dwelling for G-d.

This also gives us a better understanding as to why gold was mentioned first when G‑d commanded the Jews to donate toward the Sanctuary. Seemingly, G‑d's request should have been made in an ascending order, beginning with the items which every individual could easily give. Since there were differences in the levels of wealth of the Jewish people, it would appear more appropriate to begin with an item that could be given freely by all. Why then did G‑d mention gold first? 

In essence, G-d was teaching the Jewish people to think big and give generously even if they felt it was not within their means. When a person makes a commitment and active effort to do something positive beyond their natural capabilities, G-d enables them to fulfill their pledge and actualize their dreams.

This also explains why it was necessary to display such opulence and wealth when constructing the Temple and its various vessels. Wouldn't it be more fitting to concentrate on the spiritual aspects and build a more modest home for G-d?

Our sages taught that G‑d created gold so that it could be used in the Temple for His glory. But once created, He allowed us to enjoy some of it too. This teaching is important because it reminds us that the true purpose of wealth and power is to create a home for G-d in this world through the study of Torah and fulfillment of Mitzvot. If we find ourselves in possession of either, we must remember that its ultimate purpose is to fulfill our Divine purpose.

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 feed him the best and sweetest of his table.” 

The Talmud teaches that “There is no concept of wealth and poverty other than in the mind (Daat)”. Which means that true wealth is not defined by the amount of money in our bank account but rather by our mindset and how we utilize the money.

Throughout history, the Jewish people have experienced both prosperous and challenging eras. In fact, over the last few centuries, the Jewish community has endured significant poverty, a consequence of the severe limitations imposed by their host countries in various parts of the world.

Our current generation faces the blessing and test of affluence. Undoubtedly, wealth also presents a unique set of challenges to our character, relationships, and Jewish identity. Nevertheless, we possess the empowerment to rise to these challenges and harness the tremendous opportunities for the greater good.

The Rebbe, M.M. Schneerson, educated and inspired a post-holocaust generation to adapt to this new reality and embrace an expansive, rich and positive mindset when engaging with our Judaism. At first, this approach was often met with skepticism or opposition, but eventually this approach revolutionized the Jewish world.

This approach was clearly apparent during a Chassidic Purim Farbrengen (soulful gathering) in 1955. Speaking to a few hundred followers including many recent immigrants and survivors, the Rebbe presented a talk on the challenges and opportunities which wealth provides. 

Immediately following this, the Rebbe announced that anyone desiring to be tested with wealth should raise their hand and would be blessed with it. Out of the numerous people in the room, only three individuals raised their hands, and before long, they became tremendously wealthy. However, the Rebbe expressed disappointment that only a few people seized this opportunity. Nevertheless, over time, the Rebbe inspired an entire generation to think big and employ their talents and wealth to make a positive impact on the world.

In a landmark talk in 1992, the Rebbe shared a practical directive that each Jew should seek to obtain wealth, spiritual wealth and also actual material wealth. “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 devote oneself to give generously to charity, study Torah and perform Mitzvot in a more complete manner.

The abundance of wealth serves as a prelude to the era of Redemption when we will usher in a time of peace and prosperity for all nations on earth. As Maimonides concludes:  “In that era, there will be neither famine or war, envy or competition for good will flow in abundance and all the delights will be freely available as dust.”