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Money and Spirituality
In this lesson we are going to talk about a very important subject that everyone has to deal with, but few truly understand on a spiritual level: money.
Money is one of those things people either love, hate, or fear. In some religious circles, money is seen as spiritually contaminating, while in others it is chased as an obsession. According to Torah and Kabbalah, the truth is much more nuanced.
This is not a “get rich quick” class. What we will try to do is clarify misconceptions about money, how it affects us, and how to remove some of the blockages and wrong beliefs surrounding it. With Hashem’s help, the goal is to make money flow more freely in our lives.
Money is Not Evil
The Torah never says that money is bad. In fact, many of our patriarchs, prophets, and sages were incredibly wealthy. The danger is not in the coins, bills, or bank accounts, but in the heart of the person holding them.
Rabbi Nachman teaches that someone who wants to truly understand the depths of Torah and the secrets of Kabbalah must have financial stability. Wealth provides peace of mind, which is necessary for such pursuits.
From this perspective, money is a form of energy. It can flow to us more or less depending on our beliefs, our actions, and how we use it. According to Kabbalah, money is rooted in the sefirah of Gevurah. Gevurah means strength, might, or restraint. It represents power, which must be handled with care.
Power amplifies what a person already has inside. As wealth increases, the soul itself expands. This is why the sages say there is no curse quite like poverty. Poverty forces a person to constantly worry, about where money will come from, how bills will be paid, and who might help. This ongoing anxiety constrains a person’s life.
It is therefore important not to view Gevurah, or money, as something inherently negative. Judgment must be sweetened, not destroyed. When unsweetened, it can be destructive and constraining. But when sweetened, money becomes a powerful tool for holiness.
Sweetening Money
The most well-known way to sweeten money is tzedakah, charity. Charity makes money flow to others and channels it toward good causes. It makes a person resemble God, the ultimate giver of life and sustenance.
When a person gives, he not only draws closer to God but also humbles his ego, recognizing that blessing comes from Hashem.
Money must flow. Someone who hoards money out of fear only limits himself and blocks abundance. The Talmud and Zohar emphasize that giving charity increases wealth. The minimum requirement is 10%, but one who gives 20% is promised to become wealthier, since this transcends natural order.
Ten percent corresponds to the natural system of creation, while twenty percent corresponds to Keter, which is above nature. By giving more, a person taps into higher channels of blessing.
Another way to sweeten money is through gratitude. People often focus on what they lack instead of appreciating what they have. In Kabbalah this is linked to the sefirah of Hod, which represents splendor and acknowledgment. When we thank Hashem for what we already have, we elevate Hod and connect it to Gevurah, opening new channels of abundance.
The Kabbalistic Kavana of Giving
The Arizal teaches that giving charity embodies the Divine Name.
- The Yud represents the coin or money being given.
- The first Hei (value 5) represents the giver’s hand, with its five fingers.
- The Vav represents the arm extended to the recipient.
- The final Hei represents the hand of the poor person receiving.
Through giving, a person literally manifests the Divine Name in this world.
The Right Attitude Toward Money
When giving, it is crucial to examine what is happening inside. Doubts such as “Did I give too much?” or “What if the person wasn’t worthy?” or “When will this money come back to me?” are blockages.
A principle I learned from my teacher in yeshiva is that money is not directly tied to work. A person may work hard on brilliant ideas, yet his money might come from another source entirely. Ultimately, it is God who decides from where sustenance flows.
That is why one must remain open to the infinite ways Hashem can send parnassah. Of course, in practice most people rely on their jobs or businesses. Still, one should avoid the illusion that money must come from a specific channel.
In today’s uncertain world, it is wise not to depend on only one source of income. With the tools available, it is possible to start side businesses or online projects to diversify.
Emunah and Mazal
At the end of the day, everything comes down to emunah. Sometimes we have tikkunim to fix, and it is important to recognize them. But ultimately, as the Talmud teaches:
“Children, health, and wealth do not depend on merits, but on mazal.”
Mazal is not “luck.” It is a person’s spiritual reservoir, constantly shifting like the hands of a clock. Sometimes it rises, sometimes it falls.
The question is: how do we improve our mazal? The answer is by transcending human nature. Giving 20% instead of 10% is one example. This is called a segulah, an act that has the power to influence mazal.
One of the strongest segulot, especially for men but also for women, is guarding the eyes. Sustenance is tied to the purity of one’s eyes. By avoiding forbidden sights, avoiding jealousy, and not coveting others’ possessions, a person opens channels for wealth. Many stories testify to people who became wealthy through this spiritual discipline.
Conclusion
We have explored the Torah and Kabbalistic perspective on money: its root in Gevurah, its dangers when unsweetened, and its potential for holiness when used properly. By giving charity, expressing gratitude, recognizing God as the true source of sustenance, and guarding our eyes, we sweeten money and allow abundance to flow.
May Hashem send you all the parnassah you need, with sweetness, peace of mind, and blessing.
