Can a Torah Scholar Buy a Home Without a Mortgage?

A man approached me wanting to distribute CDs to inspire faith and trust in Hashem, but he couldn't find funding. He asked for advice. I replied, "Is anything too difficult for Hashem? Your whole aim is to magnify the Creator's name, and He controls everything. Turn to Him." Just then, another man joined our conversation and asked, "What are you discussing?" I informed him, "This righteous man wants to benefit others spiritually, but he doesn't have enough money." The man asked, "How much do you need?" The answer was 1,500 shekels. Immediately, the man pulled out his wallet and handed over the amount needed. At that moment, I wanted to kiss the Creator and shout with all my might, "Is anything too difficult for Hashem?"

The Jewish people originated from four matriarchs: Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah. The Talmud tells us all were barren, which seems to warrant a question: For such important and precious people, must the nation be born specifically from barren mothers? Rather, Hashem wanted to teach Israel throughout the generations that He can bring forth a great nation from four barren women.

A Kiss from the Creator

I'll share another experience. Over a decade ago, as a simple Torah scholar studying in a yeshiva, my family and I faced an extremely challenging financial situation, with debts to friends and family. The situation was so severe that my wife and I considered leaving Torah learning to seek work in the open market. Realizing my situation, I first turned to Hashem, "Please, Father in heaven, don't separate me from the love of my life, which is the holy Torah." Then I came upon the book "Duties of the Heart" in the section on trust in Hashem. As I studied it, the smile returned to my face, and joy to my heart. I understood that my thoughts were locking in my luck, and I did not genuinely believe that Hashem could provide all my needs at any moment, totally independent of my or my wife's abilities. There's no doubt that Hashem's provision is not dependent on my deeds, whether I do much or little for a livelihood.

At some point, I began training my mind to consider that Hashem is omnipotent and could send me envelopes of money through any means. Then my logic questioned, "How will you receive money? Nobody knows you, or if they do, they don't know your need. So, who exactly will send you money?" And other arguments the "healthy intelligence" inside me posed. Then I realized that this so-called "healthy intelligence" is actually disbelief. Hashem's omnipotence goes beyond any intellectual achievement. In simple terms, there isn't logic or natural law for Hashem, and surely there is no limit to His capability in my regard.

It isn't easy to change habitual ways of thinking developed over more than thirty years, but I knew if I recognized the absolute truth, that nothing restrains Hashem from fulfilling my heart's desires, then I would witness extraordinary occurrences from Him. Hence, I decided to expect money from Him through any possible means, even illogical ones, like envelopes in the mail, on the door, bank deposits, and so on. (I know this sounds very strange, but I encourage you to try it, and you will be amazed to see it works.) In the morning, I opened my door, searching for an envelope on the door or in the mailbox, finding nothing. Naturally, the evil inclination immediately pounced and said, "Stop with your nonsense, go to work." (Not that I look down on work, but my soul longs for Torah.) I returned to the book "Duties of the Heart."

The second morning when I opened the door, I found an envelope stuck to it labeled "To Yigal Cohen, Shabbat Shalom." Of course, I couldn't refrain from opening it until after morning prayers and found inside an amount of $1,000. At that moment, I felt as if Hashem had given me a kiss, saying, "I am with you, just believe in Me, and you will have everything." From that moment, I understood that my main efforts in life should be directed towards faith in Hashem rather than other pursuits.

I know these ideas may sound strange, but I suggest you try them before dismissing them. I believe that Hashem deserves an opportunity for us to trust in Him with simple and pure faith that He can do everything, and to stop questioning His abilities.

A Home Without a Mortgage?!

For instance, a scholar once approached me and donated 500 shekels to my yeshiva. I asked him, "Do you own a home?" The scholar replied no, he rents in the area. I blessed him, "May Hashem grant you the ability to purchase a spacious and beautiful home without any debts, even without a mortgage." I saw a surprised look on his face. I asked, "Why are you surprised?" The scholar mentioned that he doesn't have even the initial amount required to buy a home, yet I was blessing him with a house without a mortgage. I replied, "Let's examine together if Hashem has enough wealth to enable you to purchase a home without debts. Do you know how much money there is in America? Trillions. In China, Japan, England, there is no end to it, all under Hashem's dominion, who transports it wherever He pleases. Apparently, He can send you enough money for a nice home in Bnei Brak." Naturally, the scholar understood the message and asked for another blessing, now prepared to say "Amen" with complete intention.

The book 'My Heart Will Rejoice in Your Salvation' is available in specialty stores and at Hidabroot Shops.