True Gains

I once knew a successful businessman who used to turn over millions of dollars. One day, his fortune took a turn for the worse, and he lost every last penny. He was reduced to poverty overnight.

In his deep distress, he came to see me. For many long moments, he cried bitterly over his lot. He was upset that he had to depend on public funds in order to keep himself alive. But he had nothing at all left of his former wealth, not even a slice of bread.

After he unburdened himself, he calmed down somewhat and said that something positive had happened in his life, due to his financial decline: He merited returning to his Heavenly Father.

“If you view repentance as a merit,” I asked, “Why did you have to wait for such a calamity before repenting? Had you returned to Hashem while yet rich, you would have merited having physical wealth, as well as spiritual wealth!”

“When I was a world-class mogul, I had no time for Hashem. Then, when I lost all my assets, I suddenly realized that I had no business to run to. I now had time on my hands. I sought occupation, and found myself drawn to the Beit Hamidrash, where I was awakened to return to my Heavenly Father,” he replied.

I encouraged this man on his new path. I emphasized, over and over, how much he had gained from the loss of his money. He merited recognizing his Creator and acquiring a portion of Torah and mitzvot. As long as he was wealthy, he had the attitude that everything was in his hands. Now that he was without work, he could employ his time and energy toward Torah.