A Message from Rabbi Yitzhak (January, 2006)

Strange as this may sound, talking about one’s sex life is, for many people, more comfortable than discussing their personal finances. As Jews we have a particular discomfort in discussing money matters, as our collective self consciousness carries the heavy burden of negative stereotypes and distortions about Jews and money.

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Pennies from Heaven

We know very well that all Jews are not rich, and are certainly not conniving and unethical business people, and yet we can feel vulnerable when being viewed by others in that negative light. We do not match the painfully distorted stereotype that has plagued us and been a mainstay of anti-Semites for ages.

While we recognize that these stereotypes are an uninvited burden and distortion of reality, we also must recognize that Jews in America are doing exceedingly well financially. Studies indicate that even while 7-10% of Jews live at or near the poverty level, generally the income of Jews is significantly above the national average and the number of very wealthy Jews is disproportionate to our numbers. Some theorize that out of a deep sense of social insecurity resulting from historical persecutions, many Jews seek a sense of security through gaining wealth.

Money is a fact of life that cannot be avoided. Our discomfort with the subject is worth shedding in order to gain a healthy perspective on this crucial element of life. Judaism teaches that among the many blessings that fill our lives, money too is a blessing. In fact tradition goes on to say that all possessions including our money belong not to us, but to G-d. "The earth and all that is in it belongs to G-d."(Psalm 24:1) It is our task to learn how to handle this often confusing blessing.

Our sages teach: "One who wishes to acquire wisdom should study the way that money works, for there is no greater area of Torah study than this. It is like an ever flowing stream…"

Money has the capacity to be a tremendously creative and productive force, even a sacred force. Philanthropy and Tzedakah are vital expressions of Jewish values that most truly reflect the understanding of our religious tradition. It also has the capacity to be misused through obscene overindulgences. Learning how to relate properly to money is a lesson worth learning whether we are rich or poor.

I am pleased to say that members of TBI will soon be able to avail ourselves of an opportunity to study traditional texts and perspectives on money. A workshop entitled The Torah of Money will be offered at TBI next month.

This is an excellent time in our congregation's life for us to raise our awareness about the nature and workings of money.

This past year has been of wonderful deepening of our sense of communal values. Our parlor meetings opened up discussions about our most fundamental values and visions. As we prepare to launch our capital campaign and continue striving to meet our financial goals through values-based processes, we will benefit from this opportunity to study together.

I invite you to attend and join others in this valuable endeavor.

Shalom,
Rabbi Yitzhak