An upcoming Derher article, titled ‘Blessing and Success’, unpacks the subject of working at parnasah in great detail. From the fundamental ideas to inspiring stories, encouraging words and practical spiritual and physical tips from the Rebbe to actually boost your parnasah.
The story is told of the Baal Shem Tov, that one day he went and knocked on the window shutter of a house, saying that he needs parnasah, and then walked away. Suddenly, a Yid came running out of the house and chased the Baal Shem Tov, asking him for the amount that he needed, which he promptly gave the Baal Shem Tov.
The Baal Shem Tov was later asked: What was that all about? If you needed to ask for money, why did you run away? Why didn’t you wait for the homeowner to respond to your knocking? And if you knew you would receive the money in a miraculous way, why did you bother knocking at all?
The Baal Shem Tov explained: In order for Hashem to bless us with parnasah, the Torah tells us we need to have— “וברכך ה’ אלקיך בכל אשר תעשה”— there needs to be an action to contain the blessing. Knocking on the shutter is also an “action.” As soon as I did the knock, I fulfilled my obligation. Then it was up to Hashem to send His blessing. Whether He sent it through this Yid, who lives at this house, or through another Yid someplace else, is entirely not my concern.
The Rebbe uses this story as an important lesson for how a Yid’s approach to parnasah should be: We must always remember that ultimately it is Hashem’s blessing that brings us what we need. The work that we do to receive that blessing is only a “levush,” a garment that clothes the blessing itself. If we focus too much on the garment, not only will it not result in the intended blessing, it will actually hinder ourchances at it.
Throughout the years, countless Yidden from all over the world turned to the Rebbe to unburden their hearts, seeking comfort, counsel and advice as to how to deal with life’s many challenges. Of course, chief among them were people who struggled to make a living to respectably support themselves and their families.
The Rebbe often told people to adopt the proper perspective on the matter; to remember that parnasah comes from Hashem and to have bitachon that He will send you everything you need.
The upcoming Derher article—Blessing and Success—unpacks this issue in great detail. From the fundamental ideas to inspiring stories, encouraging ketoim and practical spiritual and physical tips form the Rebbe to actually boost your parnasah.
Read it and recalibrate your attitude towards your work at parnasah.
Whether you’re looking for a parnasah boost or just looking to grow and learn, this article is for you.
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