Welcome to the Daily Chizuk (encouragement). It says in Pirkei Avot, “Marbeh nechasim, marbeh de'aga: The more possessions one has, the more worry one has.” On the other hand, it’s true that a poor person doesn’t have to worry about losing, but he also doesn’t have that much to lose. The best would be to live the life of a rich man with the worry of a poor man. How is that possible? Rabbi Bloch explained that when a person realizes everything they have is a gift from Hashem, they won’t be so afraid to lose it.
The rabbi gave a mashal (parable). He said that if a casino gives a person $500 worth of chips to gamble with on the house, he doesn’t care so much about losing, because anyway, it’s just a gift. The more a person thinks that it’s his hard work that’s earning the money, the more attached he becomes to the money. But if you know it’s all chasdei Hashem (kindnesses of Hashem), you’ll become so much more easygoing with money. Not only will a person not be so afraid to lose, but they’ll be able to spend.
The rabbi quoted a pasuk (verse) in Devarim, Perek Bet (Chapter 2). When the Jews passed through the land of Esav, they were commanded: Hashem said, “When you pass through the land of Esav, I want you to buy food from them with kesef, with silver, and buy water from them with kesef.” The rabbi asked, “What does the pasuk need to say about kesef at all? Of course, when you buy something, it’s with money.” And not only that, but the Torah repeats it: “Buy food with kesef and buy water with kesef.”
The rabbi answered that the next pasuk says, “Because Hashem, your God, has blessed you and taken care of you in the desert these last 40 years, and you are not lacking anything.” And Rashi explains, “Don’t be ungrateful to Hashem by appearing as if you are poor. Rather, Hashem wants you to present yourselves as being wealthy.” So the Torah is saying that not only shouldn’t the Jews ask for water and food for free, but they should pay kesef, silver, the most expensive coins. If they tell you that water is $2, give them a $5 and say, “Keep the change.” It’s a kiddush Hashem (sanctification of Hashem’s name) in life to show people that Hashem takes care of us.
Of course, you’re not supposed to waste money, but when there’s a need in life, you’re supposed to be able to spend the money b’simcha (with joy). There’s a lot more where that came from. Hashem is taking care of us. If a person walks around all the time presenting themselves as poverty-stricken, saying, “No one is helping me. Please help me. I need help,” that’s like an insult to Hashem. No one is helping you. How did you manage to reach the age of 45? Who’s been taking care of you for the last four and a half decades? If a Jew walks around acting as if life is bad, he’s implying that Hashem doesn’t take care of His people.
If a person has money, don’t present yourself as someone who can never afford it. And if a person needs assistance, of course they’re allowed to ask. But never with desperation. We’re a noble people. You ask someone with a smile. If the person gives you beautiful, if they deny you, you say, “No problem.” You think to yourself, “Hashem will give it to me another way. I’m not desperate. Hashem is taking care of me.” The way a child presents himself in life is a reflection on his father. And the way the Jews present themselves in life is a reflection on Hashem. Therefore, Hashem said, “When you’re dealing with the other people, pay kesef, so that they know that your God takes care of you.” Have a great day.