The Real Key to Financial Blessing, According to Rabbi Steinman

A moving story from Rabbi Steinman reminds us to trust in God’s kindness—even when it seems impossible

In the book Behind the Curtain, a simple yet powerful story is told about the late  Rabbi Aharon Yehuda Leib Steinman, one of the greatest Torah sages of our time.

One day, a Jew came to him asking for a brachah—a blessing—for parnassah, which means livelihood. He was struggling to make ends meet and was hoping the rabbi’s prayer could help bring change.

Standing nearby was another man who had the same concern on his heart. He turned to Rabbi Steinman and said with raw honesty, “I don’t understand something. In Birkat Hamazon—Grace After Meals—we ask Hashem not to make us dependent on gifts from people or on their loans. But if I’m poor, if I don’t have enough to support my family, and I still need to marry off my children—how exactly will I manage? I can’t live without help. If we’re not allowed to ask for loans or gifts, where is it supposed to come from?”

Rabbi Steinman listened closely. Then he looked at the man and answered with a pain that came from deep truth.

“Do you know why people don’t always see Hashem’s help when it comes to livelihood?” he asked gently. “It’s because they don’t believe enough that Hashem can help them.”

He paused, then added, “People pray for abundant livelihood, but in their hearts, they’re still asking: How is this even possible? If I can’t take money from others, if I can’t borrow or get help from a charity fund, where will the money come from?”

Then Rabbi Steinman raised his voice—not in anger, but with the fire of someone speaking straight from the soul.

“Are you worried about Hashem? You think He needs your ideas about how to help you? Trust in Him—and He will act! That’s what it says in Tehillim (Psalms). Yes, yes, yes! Hashem doesn’t need loans or gifts from others to help you. He has His own ways. He gives with a full, open, holy, and generous hand!”

And then Rabbi Steinman added one more sentence—simple, but unforgettable: “When you truly trust in that, your prayers will be answered.”