The Test of Faith: "2,000 NIS? How Did You Buy at That Price?"

Let's explain how a believing Jew should approach the purchase of a table and chairs:

In "Chovot Halevavot," in the "Gate of Trust," it is explained that there is a difference in the obligation of belief in divine providence between spiritual matters and material matters. In spiritual matters, the desire and effort are up to the individual regarding how much to exert themselves in the service of Hashem, but the results are as decreed by Hashem. In material matters, we must believe that from the initial effort to the final decision, everything is subject to the decree of Heaven.

Faith Test for the Buyer of a Table and Chairs

Thus, a believing Jew going to purchase a table and chairs should approach with the mindset detailed below.

I am acting naturally, checking prices in several stores because this is Hashem's will, that the world shall operate in the natural way. This is the decree made by the Creator, that man should act naturally while remembering that it is all a test and a punishment after the sin of the first man—by the sweat of your brow you shall eat bread, to toil in action, yet see it as a test of faith that the effort itself accomplishes nothing. It is like "breaking the jar but preserving its wine," to work and labor naturally while ensuring faith is not lost, though the eye may deceive, making one think man is the actor and doer.

Therefore, the believer should say in his heart: I believe that the table and chairs I ultimately decide to purchase are what were decreed for me from above, and no external cause can change what has been decreed.

Thus, when this person goes to purchase after checking prices at several stores, he believes he is buying what the Creator has decreed will be his.

And behold, Hashem "tests the righteous." Every believer must undergo a test of faith. What does Hashem do? He sends a friend to visit, who after congratulating him on his new furniture asks, "How much did the table and chairs cost?" He answers: 2,000 NIS. His friend says, "2,000 NIS?! How did you buy at that price when just two blocks away they sell the exact same thing for 1,200 NIS?" Indeed, the buyer had checked prices in various stores but, for some reason, did not check that nearby store, apparently losing 800 NIS. Thus, here lies the test!

If he becomes angry and frustrated with himself, thinking "What stupidity... What laziness... How did I forget that store..." and the like, then his faith is not genuine as, in his faith, he believed that what he would purchase is what is decreed from above.

But if he remains calm and composed, saying, "Didn't I tell myself that I am merely making an effort, but ultimately what I purchase is what was decreed for me from Heaven? So why should I regret?"

Of course, even if initially he accepts it with difficulty and reluctance, the quicker he calms down and returns to peace and calmness, it will be considered a mark of strength for him, meaning that even if his heart is pricked momentarily, but he swiftly recovers from his sorrow, his level of faith is measured by this.

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For the essence of trials, mental confusion, and sadness always arises when judgments are cast from above, but with faith, one can sweeten and cancel these judgments. (Shomer Emunim)

This article is taken from the book "Living with Faith." To purchase a book by Rabbi Yaakov Yisrael Lugassi, click here.