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."

Whoever Fulfills The Torah 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)

Whoever Neglects The Torah In Wealth

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:

26. (Back to text) Kesubos 68a.

27. (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.