On the Troubles of the Rich: Do Wealthy People Not Need Prayers?
Why are there wealthy individuals who don't pray, while some religious people pray for livelihood?
- דניאל בלס
- פורסם כ"ד כסלו התשע"ו
#VALUE!
Why do the rich or well-off seemingly not need prayers or good deeds to receive free gifts from Hashem? And there are people I know who have, and no matter what they do or think (which is far from faith), they receive most of the money. How does Judaism explain this?<\/strong>?<\/strong><\/em><\/p> * * *<\/p> Hello and blessings,<\/p> Even wealthy people suffer from many issues: marital and domestic peace problems, business concerns, issues with children, and health problems. Studies have shown that wealthy people are not happier than average individuals in terms of their life's satisfaction.<\/span><\/p> Even if outwardly it seems that the rich have more, it does not mean they are happier. Rather, Hashem determines a person's level of life satisfaction and happiness. Some may seem average outwardly yet live wonderful and joyful lives, while others appear rich but lead miserable and terrible lives. The mistake lies in the external view.<\/span><\/p> In the end, we all need prayers, and we see countless rich, successful, and famous people who've turned to faith. Even at the height of material pleasure, they have not found spiritual satisfaction or the true answer to their suffering. Only Judaism provided this answer.<\/span><\/p> Regarding a person's material condition in this world, <\/span>it is stated in the Talmud (Niddah 16b): "Rabbi Chanina bar Papa expounded: the angel in charge of conception - his name is 'Night,' takes a drop and stands it before the Holy One, blessed be He, and says before Him: Master of the Universe, what will become of this drop - strong or weak, wise or foolish, rich or poor? But wicked or righteous, he does not say."<\/span><\/p> This means it is predetermined for a person what the events of their life will be, and how many difficulties they'll face in their livelihood, even before they come into this world. So it's not a question of being "religious or secular," but rather what is destined for each person based on their previous cycle. Thus, it's determined into which family they are born and how successful they will be in life. Therefore, prayers can only benefit every person, in any situation they may be in. If it is decreed for them to be poor, then prayers will help them overcome their livelihood difficulties, and if it is decreed for them to be rich, prayers will help them overcome other personal challenges they may face in life.<\/span><\/p> With blessings,<\/p> Daniel Belles<\/p><\/span><\/p>
