The Blessing of Wealth Used Wisely

Naso

Num. 4:21-7:89

Précis: The parasha opens with a continuation of the listing of the Levitical families and their duties regarding the transportation of holy vessels. This is followed by a brief commandment concerning restitution for wrongs. The parasha then turns to a mysterious procedure for testing a wife’s fidelity when questioned by her jealous husband. Next we have a discussion of the laws of Nazerites, and the recitation of the “Priestly Benediction.” The parasha concludes with the presentation of identical gifts by each tribe for the dedication of the Altar.

Num. 6:22-26 “And Adonai spoke to Moses, saying: ‘Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, “This is how you will bless the children of Israel; say to them: ‘May Adonai bless you and watch over you.  May Adonai make His face shine to you and be gracious to you. May Adonai raise His face to you and give you peace.”’

The first of the Priestly Blessings in this verse states, “May the Eternal bless you and protect you!” Rashi interprets this first blessing in material terms, meaning that we ask God’s blessing in the form of wealth and possessions.

            What is the “Jewish” way to manage wealth? According to the Sages, the highest use of one’s wealth is for charity and other forms of tzedakah. Our tradition also warns against misusing one’s wealth by seeking to control others or by engaging in conspicuous consumption. Aversion to conspicuous consumption was the basis for medieval rabbinic promulgations called “sumptuary laws” to limit celebratory excess. (Renting out a football stadium for a bar mitzvah party might be one contemporary conspicuous example!)

            In order to consider how you might handle wealth, please engage in a brief “thought experiment.” If you won the lottery, how would you spend it? Would you first see to your personal wants [a new car? pay off the mortgage? retire? set up a fund for the kids’ (or grandkids) Jewish or college education?] What “Jewish” needs would come next? Your congregation? Your local Federation? Hillel or Hadassah? A Jewish university?

            Here is the second part of this thought experiment: You don’t win the lottery. How do your plans change, and how do you use the wealth you do have?