This came up during one of my coffee meetings this week, trying to get to the bottom of the powerful green substance. What is the deal with money?
An important element of the exodus from Egypt was G-d's promise to Abraham that "they will leave with great treasures". In this week's Torah portion, is when He makes good on that promise. Why is this important? Is money good or bad?
As the Jewish nation was readying themselves to receive the Torah, this was perhaps the most potent and concentrated example of what they would be facing. You see, the purpose and goal of this world are that we should make the right choices. Having two options open in front of us, and then beating the odds by doing what is right.
Money, like most of the world, is neutral. It can be used like the mafia for greed, jealousy, theft, and dishonesty. Or it can be used for kindness, charity, nutrition, and healing. Hospitals, educational institutions, community centers, or even a coin to someone who needs it, are all powerful expressions of generosity. Gold can be used for the golden calf, or to build the Holy Temple. It's about transforming this world from the ordinary neutrality and tipping it to the side of special.
May we all have what we need in abundance and do incredible things with it!
ב"ה