The Brisker Rav once shared this vort and noticed that one of the people present was deeply affected by the insight. This individual was a wealthy businessman who was fully engrossed in his demanding work and had little time for Torah study. Seeing the man marvel at this vort, the Brisker Rav asked him if he would consider leaving his business to dedicate his days to Torah study, trusting that Hashem would provide for his needs. The man was startled by the suggestion and blurted out: "But what will be with money?", unwilling to let go of the belief that he was the one responsible for his wealth.
Upon hearing the man's concern, the Brisker Rav smiled and related a story that happened in Brisk, in the time of his father Reb Chaim. One day, a dishevelled man burst into Reb Chaim's house, his face contorted with anguish, tears streaming down his cheeks. After the household managed to soothe him somewhat, he recounted his harrowing tale. He explained that he was a tzedakah collector who had arrived in town to raise funds for a yeshivah. Despite weeks of tireless effort, he experienced a devastating setback. When his turn at the post office arrived and he was about to send off the considerable sum he had collected, he suddenly realized that the money was gone. He had fallen victim to a pickpocket in broad daylight.
Upon reflection, he remembered that while waiting in line, a person approached him and offered him a new suit for an astonishingly cheap price, and right there and then started to measure him from every angle. It was, as he now understood, a clever trick to divert his attention and steal the money. Now, not only had his hard-earned funds been stolen, but he also faced the grim prospect of being suspected of theft by the yeshivah he worked for, without anything to prove his innocence. "I am utterly ruined," he lamented, "ruined beyond repair."
Reb Chaim comforted the distraught man and assured him that he would take every possible measure to help. He promised to reach out to affluent members of the community, urging them to contribute to a noble cause. He hoped that within a few days he would be able to gather enough funds to cover the man's loss. Overwhelmed with gratitude, the man thanked Reb Chaim and departed.
Several days later, the man returned, visibly more composed and collected. Reb Chaim was delighted to inform him that he had prepared an envelope containing an amount even greater than what was stolen. The man's face lit up with joy. However, as Reb Chaim was about to hand over the money, the man apologized for his previous emotional outburst. He felt deeply ashamed that the Rav had witnessed him losing control over what seemed like a trivial amount of money, so he explained that his distress was not solely about the stolen money, but rather the profound humiliation he felt. It was the audacity of the thief to deceive and rob him in broad daylight that had ignited his emotional reaction.
Expecting the Rav to believe this excuse, the man was taken aback by Reb Chaim's response. Reb Chaim, who wouldn't accept a lie, turned to the man and said, "If it's not the money that bothers you, I have other worthy causes where this money can be used. And as for your reputation, I will write a letter to the yeshivah testifying to your honesty, so you have nothing to worry about." This was not what the man expected, and in an instant, all the grief was back on his face as he pleaded hysterically, "but the money, what will I do without the money?!"
With this story, the Brisker Rav demonstrated to the businessman the absurdity of our behaviour. Despite our knowledge that Hashem is the true Provider, we are still unable to let go, and like the poor collector, the only thought that resonates in our brain is "but the money"!
Let us ensure to constantly focus on what our sustenance really depends on. It is not our actions or efforts, but rather our thoughts, that greatly influence our livelihood. Though it is a common human struggle to relinquish control, the flow of sustenance can only reach us undisturbed when we wholeheartedly trust in Hashem. As a result, may we all merit for His bounty to be showered upon us. And ultimately, may we be zoche to speedily greet moshiach which will start an era of abundant and everlasting prosperity.