A man complained to the holy rabbi of the village that his father had left him a store as an inheritance, but where the business had provided a large profit for his father, it was not doing well for him at all. Hours could go by without a single customer coming into the store.

“What do you do with all that empty time?” the holy rabbi asked.

“Sometimes I just sit around doing nothing, sometimes I’ll read a book or clean and straighten up the store” the man answered, with a shrug.

“There is your solution” the holy rabbi nodded understand¬ingly. “You see, the Dark One has been given extensive powers. When your father had a free moment, he would learn a portion of the Talmud, some Pirke Avos (Ethics of the Fathers), or the Scriptures, or perhaps read the Tehillim (Psalms). This greatly irritated the Dark One, who would direct customers to the store, to interrupt your father’s holy study or prayer. With you, however, the Dark One is very satisfied to allow you to go without customers, since you waste away your time anyway. When you abuse the gift of time, you are doing exactly what he wishes. Not only does he not direct people to your store, but he uses his vast authority over circumstances to prevent would-be customers from going there, so that you will continue to misuse your time. Unfortunately, as long as you are content with following his path, he will be comfortable with yours and will try not to disturb you.”

Many may think they know how to earn money, but they are often way off course in their ways. The Torah says, “Remember the L-rd your G-d, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, so that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your ancestors…” (Deuteronomy 8:18) The rabbis taught that one should “strive to acquire wealth honestly, that you may benefit from it in this world and to the world to come…Wealth is a gift from G-d” (Maalos haMiddos Ch 23, 13 C)

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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Rachmiel Tobesman is a motivational speaker and Maggid (spiritual Storyteller). He is available for speaking engagements or storytelling, Click here to contact us

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