Rabbi Yonasan Said: "Whoever Fulfills The Torah In Poverty Will Ultimately Fulfill It In Wealth; But Whoever Neglects The Torah In Wealth Will Ultimately Neglect It In Poverty."
Poverty is not necessarily measured in financial terms. On the contrary, our Sages commented
[26] that it is with regard to one's knowledge that one is defined as being rich or poor. And poverty in knowledge is relative. Just as a member of the middle-class is dwarfed by a magnate's wealth, so too, all of us feel impoverished when we realize the infinite scope of the Torah's wisdom.
This sense of poverty should awaken a thirst which will motivate earnest and sincere effort in Torah study.
(Sichos Shabbos Parshas Naso, 5746)
One should not interpret the
mishnah as implying that wealth is undesirable or a hindrance to Torah study. On the contrary, our Sages explain
[27] that material wealth assists Torah study, enabling one to broaden one's perspective. And when a wealthy person devotes himself to Torah study, he will be granted even greater prosperity.
(Sichos Chag HaShavuos, 5746)
Notes:
- (Back to text) Kesubos 68a.
- (Back to text) See Sotah 28a. Note also the comments of the Maharil (Likkutim), who relates that when Rabbeinu Tam wished to broaden his understanding of a difficult passage, he would place golden coins on his study table.
