"Here They Give Away Free Money"

Where do they give away free money?

In finances, a person who wishes to buy a house and calculates how much money they have might find they lack a significant sum to purchase the desired house. Their first thought might be to ask parents for help or perhaps consult the bank for a mortgage. However, a believer will first turn to Hashem, the Creator of the world, who holds all the money and can transfer any amount needed. One should first convince Hashem to provide the needed money, evaluate their actions to ensure they aren’t harming others' finances—known as a cause of poverty—and pray deeply, give proper charity, or do acts of kindness even when not required. Then they should wait for Hashem's salvation. Only if the problem persists and Hashem decides it's not the time, should they resort to asking for help from parents, relatives, or even the bank.

Consider a scenario: a person visits a welfare office with two departments. In one, a clerk can give money as a gift based on their discretion. All that’s needed is to convince them for a meritorious gift. In the other, the clerk offers loans based on specific criteria. Logically, any rational person will first aim for the office offering free money, doing their best to evoke the clerk’s compassion for the required gift. Jeśli unsuccessful, they’ll then seek a loan in the other department.

If we meet someone who goes first to request a loan instead of trying to get the free gift, we might conclude they don't believe such generosity exists, or perhaps they doubt anyone has the means to give away money for free. Or they simply don't trust these opportunities exist. Truly believing these premises would lead them to the first office, where there’s no need to meet conditions and no future repayment effort.

Similarly, a Jew who doesn't seek Hashem's help may not fully understand how much Hashem loves and wants the best for them, or they might not fully recognize Hashem's ability to fulfill promises. Alternatively, they might momentarily forget Hashem’s presence, because if they remembered His existence and great love, along with His ability to deliver salvation in an instant, they would address Him before taking any other action.

Why am I not appreciated at work?

Another area to examine faith is in dealing with afflictions. When a Jew experiences troubles at work, such as feeling professionally undervalued, receiving unsatisfactory wages, having conflicts with coworkers, and experiencing long-delayed promotions, this is also a test of faith.

The natural reaction would be disappointment, anger, or perhaps revenge. However, a believer who knows that Hashem is solely responsible will reflect, perhaps Hashem doesn't want them in their current job due to issues like modesty violations or gossip, or perhaps they aren't careful about not using work time for personal matters, which amounts to theft from the employer. Thus, Hashem sends signs to reconsider and amend, for Hashem loves infinitely, and all signs point to one’s correction for their own good.

(Photo: shutterstock)

Let’s consider another driving scenario. Anyone who has driven in our holy land knows it’s difficult to remain calm. People are always in a rush, and car horns are a common sound. A believer understands that getting cut off in traffic or blocked from parking is from Hashem, so they do not anger but strive to stay patient and figure out Hashem's message at that moment. Indeed, they brighten the face towards the other driver and internally thank Hashem for this trial to be reminded of His existence.

Anger signifies a lack of faith!

Sometimes, after a grueling workday, someone comes home exhausted and hungry to find the house messy and no prepared food. Rage often builds towards the spouse, "I work so hard for my family’s livelihood, yet I don't even deserve a hot meal?" At this juncture, there are two kinds of people. One raises their voice: "Why is the house messy? Why is there no meal ready when I arrive? What were you doing all day at home?" The other remains silent, fearing their spouse or because it’s not their nature to shout, but internally they simmer, "After all I've done for them, is this what I get?"

Another example is when a child disrespects their father, mother, or teacher, prompting anger and admonishment, even though their duty is to educate, not rage. Such anger stems from disbelief that a child would defy them after all they've given, not showing due respect. Or when spoken to disrespectfully by a partner, anger surges up instantly.

(Photo: shutterstock)

This trait stems from misunderstanding that everything occurs by Hashem’s will, leading one to rage against the messenger. It’s akin to a dog being hit with a stick reacting by biting the stick, unaware that stopping the blows requires addressing the wielder, who decides when they halt. Similarly, when we’re angered by different people or attackers harming our brethren in Israel, we forget the crucial part that they are merely Hashem's agents. The more we grasp this, the more we see Hashem in every detail, feeling a sense of calm, for everything comes from a loving Father.

Who's shouting from your wife's throat?

Indeed, these high levels of faith may be unfamiliar, as I initially thought. However, as time passed, the more I reflected and repeated King David’s saying when Shimei ben Gera cursed him as he fled from Absalom, "Hashem told him to curse." A few months later, I saw significant change in my anger. I often recalled the response a significant rabbi gave a Jew who complained, "My wife constantly yells at me," to which the rabbi wisely replied, "Listen well to the shouts, because Hashem speaks to you from your wife's throat."

Conversely, a Jew who has yet to understand that everything is under Hashem’s control will simply boil with anger towards themselves and others, "How did I make such a mistake," "How dare they treat me this way," "I should get them off the road," and many more reactions that ultimately harm the individual.

The book 'Yagel Libi BeYeshuatecha' can be found in select stores and at Hidabroot Shops.