True Riches
A very wealthy woman once asked for my advice. Blessed be Hashem, Who gave me the right words to tell her. After she thanked me for my wise words, I felt that her heart had softened somewhat. I tried convincing her to return to Torah-true Judaism.
Five years passed. The woman still stuck to her stubborn wrongful ways. I contacted her once again and encouraged her to do teshuvah, accepting upon herself the yoke of Torah and mitzvot. She finally capitulated and agreed to return to the ways of her fathers.
Some time later, we met again. She breathlessly told me, “Honored Rav, only now, after doing teshuvah, do I feel happy with my life. Only now do I enjoy my wealth and honor. Until today, I never felt real satisfaction. I was always worried about my money. But after recognizing my Creator, I understand the true meaning of life and where real bliss comes from.”
Chazal teach (Avot 2:7), “The more possessions, the more worry.” The rich always live with fears regarding their possessions. They are worried about losing them, and they are envious of their wealthier friends. In contrast, one who lives by the dictates of Torah has inner happiness, reassured that Hashem takes care of all his needs.
