The Rebbe Maharash, the fourth Rebbe of Chabad, taught that parnasa, livelihood, in our times is similar to the manna, sustenance from heaven, which the Jews ate in the desert and was not measured by the effort invested. For that reason one need not be concerned about his livelihood and trust completely in Hashem.
The Rebbe once illustrated this by the example of a businessman who before davening in the morning hurries to call his associate and strike a deal, lest someone else precede him. He does this because he thinks he is the one who brings the parnasa. If he truly believed that everything is from Hashem, he would work only because he was commanded to do so, and he would work only in the manner in which he was commanded – for it is unthinkable that following the directives of Hashem would bring him a loss. Behavior contrary to this is a subtle form of idol worship!
So too, as the Midrash explains, one should not say, "I will eat, drink and enjoy, and in Heaven they will have mercy," for Hashem sends his blessing through a person's work. If one doesn’t take action, he will not receive the blessing. This can be learned from Yitzchak, who planted his field so that the blessing from Hashem would be able to rest upon it.
Rabbeinu Bechaye in his Chovot HaLevavot, Duties of the Heart, explains why Hashem created the world in such a way that people must work to earn a living. Firstly, it serves as a test to one's dedication to Hashem in business, including his recognition of Hashem's hand in his success. Secondly, if not for work, many people would only indulge in worldly pleasures and be drawn to sins.
On one of his travels, the Baal Shem Tov went up to a house, knocked on the window and immediately continued on his way. Hearing the knock, the person living there rushed out and caught up to the Baal Shem Tov, asking him what he wanted. The Baal Shem Tov told him that he needed a certain sum of money and the man fulfilled his request.
The students of the Baal Shem Tov then asked him, "if there was a need to knock on the man's window because something was needed from him, then why did you leave right away without waiting for him to come out and hear your request?"
The Baal Shem Tov explained a man's request is fulfilled by Hashem, but He wants a person to take some action. The measure of action depends on one’s level. For the Baal Shem Tov it was enough to do something small, like knocking on the window. Once he had done his part, he had no reason to stay and therefore had continued on his way. The Rebbe explains that it is up to each individual to set how much of an effort he will have to make – whether he will study Torah all day and do only "something," or whether he will discharge his obligation with a little learning in the morning and evening, and work the rest of the day....
Reprinted from the Weekly Farbrengen by Merkaz Anash, on-line at TheWeeklyFarbrengen.com
