Does Everything Depend on the Power of Thought?

We must be very careful when we see "religious" advertisements apparently coming from non-Jews or those who are not committed to the way of the Torah, "Wisdom among the nations - believe it. Torah among the nations - do not believe it" (Eichah Rabbah, Chapter 2, Verse 13).

The non-Jews you described distort genuine concepts from Judaism, so it's essential to be cautious of publications labeled "secret" when the authors come from a non-religious world and offer principles that only appear "religious." Judaism has been teaching us for thousands of years the secret (Yoma 38b): "One who comes to purify is assisted, one who comes to defile is given the opening." Also (Shabbat 104a): "In the way a person wishes to go, they are led (from above)." This means a person who chooses evil will receive from above all the means to choose evil, and a person who wishes to be good will be helped from above to be good and will have mitzvot and good deeds lined up before them. The wicked may enjoy this world and gain wealth and fame because they seek materialism with the power of their will, and Hashem gives a person the ability to fulfill their desires, providing them the opportunity to follow their chosen path.

Regarding wealth, many sayings of our Sages (Chazal) highlight that Hashem determines a person's livelihood from Rosh Hashanah to Rosh Hashanah, and no one can earn more than what has been decreed from above, only to achieve their allotment more easily or with more difficulty based on their actions and prayers throughout the year.

In the Gemara (Niddah 70b), it is recounted that many students tried to engage in trade to become wealthy but did not succeed, despite all their efforts and desire. To this, Rabbi Chiyya responded, "Rather, seek mercy from the One to whom the wealth belongs." This means that all the thought, desire, and efforts in the world cannot guarantee wealth or success, only Hashem alone decides whether to grant wealth to a person or not. A person cannot create wealth with "the material of thought," even by increasing merchandise and positive thinking. However, the combination of practical effort with deep heartfelt prayers can bear fruit, as Hashem may decide to grant a person their heart's desire—yet the person must carefully consider what they request from Hashem, lest they ask, Heaven forbid, for something harmful, as did those who gained wealth and subsequently lost all their friends, the love of their children and family, dying lonely and bitter.

A person who desires wealth and fame may receive their wish, as one seeking to defile is given the way. Hashem sometimes enables wicked non-Jews to attain their desires, but not through the power of their thoughts or will, rather through their choice, as Hashem brings potential to action according to their choice.

Unlike those non-Jews, Judaism teaches us that everything happens for a reason, and Hashem ordains poverty or suffering upon a person for their benefit. Sometimes, Hashem is like a surgeon who uses this world as a tool to repair our souls, all so that we may enter the next world pure and rectified. Therefore, we must withstand the trials set before us from heaven and serve our Creator even in times of sorrow and suffering.

Our holy Torah teaches Jews guidance in life (Deuteronomy 18:13): "You shall be wholehearted with Hashem your God," and Rashi explains: "Walk with Him with wholeheartedness and anticipate Him... whatever happens to you, accept with wholeheartedness, then you will be with Him and His portion."

Anyone who believes in another power in the world, of thought or desire, that is strong and creates things like Hashem, Heaven forbid, must know they are opposing one of the Thirteen Principles of Faith that define our entire Judaism: "I believe with perfect faith that the Creator, blessed be His name, is the Creator and Guide for all creations, and He alone has made, makes, and will make all actions."

Everything comes from Hashem, both the good and what seems to us as bad, and indeed, Hashem places great weight on our thoughts, desires, and choices, providing the righteous with ways to ascend and sanctify, and the wicked with paths to fall as they desire. Yet, in no case is there power in the hands of a person, only Hashem alone is the true and only force enabling a person's actions, the secret the Torah taught us (Deuteronomy 30:15): "See, I have set before you today life and goodness, and death and evil... life and death I have set before you, the blessing and the curse, and you shall choose life."