Yossi Elituv Explains How Wealth Reveals True Character in Jewish Thought

Yossi Elituv, editor of the newspaper 'Mishpacha,' shared insights in his weekly column on Kikar HaShabbat about the spiritual implications of wealth. He emphasized that wealth does not change a person but rather reveals their true nature. According to Elituv, those who recognize that all they have is a divine gift grow closer to God with each blessing. Conversely, those who believe their success is solely due to their own efforts become more distant from the source of life.

Elituv referenced the teachings of the Or HaChaim Hakadosh, who explained that the phrase "and it shall be if you forget" begins with forgetting the source of blessing, which eventually leads to forgetting the Creator. This distance from God often starts not with denial but with success itself. The column encourages reflection on humility and gratitude as essential to maintaining a connection with the divine.

The piece was accompanied by other related stories on Kikar HaShabbat, including personal and family challenges faced by religious figures, underscoring themes of faith and perseverance.