Making sense of the sedra: Money Talks

In our thought-provoking new series, rabbis and rebbetzen relate the week’s parsha to the way we live today

A story is told about a wealthy Jew who was asked by his grandson how much money he owned.

He quoted a figure that was far below his net worth.

His grandson was surprised and questioned his calculations.

The wealthy Jew explained as follows: “This is the money that I have given to charity. Only this money truly belongs to me, for no one can take that mitzvah away from me.

“All the rest of the money that is now in my possession can be lost, or misused, or become worthless. Money comes and money goes. The money I give away to help others is really the only money
I own.”

The Hebrew word zuz (the name of an ancient Jewish silver coin) means ‘move’.

We may know people who were millionaires and suddenly lost all their money, and seemingly random individuals who became extremely wealthy overnight.

It is our responsibility to be financially prudent and look after whatever money and possessions with which Hashem has blessed us.

Yet, at the same time, just like our talents, our money is also ‘on loan’ from Hashem.

If we have the opportunity to give some away, let us remember that it is the best investment we will ever make (and Hashem promises us a great return).

It is not easy for a person to part with their hard-earned money, but if we remember where it truly comes from, then we will find it easier to give.

In this week’s Parsha, we read: “Speak to the children of Israel, and have them take for Me an offering; from every person whose heart inspires him to generosity.” (Exodus 25:2).

The wording is difficult to understand. Isn’t Hashem asking us to give, not to take? The verse teaches us a fundamental principle here: whatever we give away to others will stay with us forever.

Over the past year, there have been a large number of charity campaigns online, and I have been so inspired as I watched the numbers of donations steadily rise and reach the charity’s target.

Mi K’Amcha Yisrael – who is like your people, Israel. Even after so many campaigns, we still open our hearts and give.

May Hashem bless us with ample sustenance, so that we can continue to give freely to help those in need.