Parashat Re’eh

Money & Success

by Rav Yosef Zvi Rimon

Founder and Board Chairman, JobKatif

The all-time universal debate discusses the type of society that is best for humanity: a socialist one which is concerned about the economic stability of every man, or a capitalist one, which encourages hard work ethic.
Looking at the Torah, it is clear that G-d combines the two and thereby creates the ultimate society.
Economically, the Torah stresses a capitalist society. The Torah understands that the only way that the world will develop is when people live with the understanding that their success is based on effort. However the Torah has many commandments that balance the playing field such as charity, giving a tenth of your income to the poor, leaving a corner of your field for the poor and many more. These commandments set up ways that prevent the injustices that can occur in a capitalist society. The individual has the ability to earn as much money as s/he can, but at the same time s/he must give back. Not doing so makes this person immoral, and all the money s/he earns is considered to have been done unjustly.
This ideology could not have come from national law. Governments institute welfare but it is not enough. When the Torah obligates the Jewish people to give charity, it is actually obligating us to be aware and have concern for others’ in their community.
The Rashaba points out an interesting contradiction in this week’s parasha concerning charity. The Torah first says, ”There shall be no needy among you…” (Devarim 15:4) and then it says, “The poor shall never cease out of the land” (Ibid 15:11). How could this be; either poverty will eventually no longer exist, or poverty will always exist? 

The Rashba resolves this seeming contradiction, by explaining that there will always be  poor people, but the continuation of the pasuk in Devarim 15:4 shows that G-d will bless our society with money that can be given to the poor, with the goal of alleviating poverty. The pasuk states: “For the LORD will surely bless you in the land which the LORD your G-d gives to you as an inheritance…”
When we look at today’s society, we see there is so much more money, resources and food than ever before. Now that many are blessed with such resources, it is our duty to bless others the way G-d has blessed us.  We should show our concern and take an active stance to end poverty.

With the help of G-d we will be successful in caring for the poor and needy. I pray that G-d should help our families grow in Torah, mitzvot, good health, economically and happiness.
Shabbat Shalom!

Rav Yosef Zvi Rimon