In this week’s Parashah “Ki Tiza” there is a pasuk(verse) that reads “This they shall give, every one that passes among them that are numbered, half a shekel of the shekel of the Sanctuary.”(Shemot 30:13)
Rashi comments that G-d showed Moses a coin of fire. This symbolizes that money has similarities with fire. Fire has the potential to give warmth and to help people prepare food, but the same fire can also destroy a property and even cause death G-d forbid. Also money can build or destroy. A person can ruin his life and the lives of others in his pursuit for money. He can step on others and denigrate them, he can use his money for evil purposes and so on. But if money is used well one can build worthwhile institutions and help many people.
Once the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Menachem Mendel Schneerson of blessed memory, gave a talk to a group of Chassidim on the responsibility of having money. A person who has wealth is responsible in using it for the service of G-d and doing good with it. After the very extensive talk and also letting them know the consequences if the money is not well administered and spent he asked who would want a blessing to become very rich. Only a very few hands went up, so the Rebbe gave them the blessing and they became very wealthy. These few people dedicated their lives to build a wealth of Jewish institutions and help many people.
Money can be a blessing or a curse it all depends on what we use it for.
Choose wisely!
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