Money as a Means, Not a Mission

Throughout my life, I’ve encountered many people and cultures.

It's a common belief that economic differences divide people and create distance between them. In northeastern Brazil, where I was born, poverty is widespread, while cities like New York display astonishing wealth. However, through conversations with people from different social and economic backgrounds, I’ve learned that money doesn’t always define a person. I’ve met people with nothing to eat who possessed remarkable wisdom, and others who had more money than they could spend, but were filled with emptiness.

That said, when used properly, one’s material assets can serve as powerful tools for achieving meaningful goals.

Ultimately, what is the point of money? Why do people need possessions? Why work so hard for them? Why is there social inequality in the world? Is it better to be wealthy? Does money bring happiness?

These questions headline many of today’s global conversations. In most democratic countries, political parties differ primarily in their economic stances. It’s rare to find countries where debates focus on education or security- usually, the dividing line between right and left is about economic models.

Philosophical questions on a personal level are also part of this conversation. When someone considers how they want to live, what do they ask themselves? More often than not, the question is: Should I work hard to become wealthy, or would I rather live a simpler life? Naturally, most people lean toward wanting to be richer.

Why doesn't the Torah recommend a specific economic model? Why, unlike other religions, does it not directly address whether people are to be rich or poor?

Unlike in modern society, according to the Torah, money is not a goal- it is a tool. G-d gives us material possessions so that we can fulfill our life’s mission. Just as one can waste time on trivial matters, it’s possible to waste money on things of no value, and lose the opportunity to use that money for something truly meaningful. In this view, debating the benefits of wealth is pointless because it is G-d who determines whether we’ll be rich or not. Our responsibility is to use whatever we have in the best possible way.

This can be compared to a soccer game: imagine you’re invited to play a crucial match as the center forward. What will you focus on? If you’re a serious player, you’ll concentrate on scoring goals- not on the quality of the field, the shirt you’re wearing, the weather, or the stadium lighting. Your task is to play your best given the circumstances. In our discussion, the "playing conditions" are the material assets a person has. Our life’s goal isn’t to accumulate money, but to use it effectively in achieving our mission, just like the forward’s job is to score goals.

A person who spends all their energy trying to become wealthy is like a player who will only take the field if every condition is perfect, but doesn’t contribute anything meaningful to the team.

Many people complain that they are too poor, while others complain of the burdens of wealth. As we’ve seen,once a person understands the true effort needed for their life’s mission, financial concerns become secondary.

Using money wisely includes giving charity, investing in social initiatives, providing children with a good education, buying kosher food, purchasing beautiful dishes to honor the Shabbat table, and so on. In truth, nearly any financial expense can be positive if done with the right intention. Buying nice clothing for example might seem frivolous, but if the purpose is to honor Shabbat, it becomes a great mitzvah.

Just like each moment of time, every coin can hold eternal value. It all depends on how we choose to use it.

From the book "Dan's Journey in Search of the Meaning of Life," by Roni Dayan.