Someone complained to Rebbe Hershele of Lisk zt'l that a competitor opened a store near his shop, and he is worried that his parnassah will suffer. Rebbe Hershele Lisker responded with the following mashal:
A person owned a chicken, and every day, he threw some breadcrumbs into the coop.
One day, he bought another chicken and put it in the coop. The first chicken worried the “newcomer” would eat up all the food, so it pecked at the new chick and ripped out its feathers.
The owner watched this and thought to himself, "Chicken! Why don't you understand? I know that two birds are now in the coop, and I will put in a double portion, so there will be enough for both of you."
Rebbe Hershele Lisker zt'l explained, "Hashem gives parnassah. And now that two people have the same business, Hashem will send a greater portion. He will provide for both of you. There is no reason to worry."
Someone saw partners working in a field. One dug holes in the ground, and the other filled the holes with earth again.
He asked them, "Why are you doing this? What purpose is there in digging holes if you fill them again?"
They replied, "We usually work in groups of three. One digs a hole, one puts in a sapling, and the third covers it with earth. Today, the partner that usually places the sapling into the earth didn't show up, but we figured that just because he isn't here doesn't mean we shouldn't do our job."
Hashem is our partner in everything we do. We can't do anything on our own. Without the primary partner, all work is futile.
A businessman had an important meeting scheduled during the Nine Days. He asked Reb Moshe Feinstein zt'l whether he may shave his beard to look presentable at the meeting.
Reb Moshe ruled that it is forbidden to shave during the Nine Days. A business meeting doesn't make it permitted.
But the businessman feared his unshaven face would ruin his chances of closing the deal, so he shaved.
Initially, the meeting went well. They were ready to sign a contract, but then one of the businessmen asked, "How do we know that we can trust you? Can you prove to us your honesty in business?"
The Yid replied, "You don't have to worry. I am a religious Jew, and I follow the Torah. The Torah mandates stringent business ethics, so you can trust me."
"You're a Jew?" one of the non-Jewish businessmen interjected. "I know Jews don't shave this time of year. But you are clean-shaven. I see that you aren't loyal to your religion. If you aren't loyal to your religion, how can we trust you will be honest in business?"
The deal fell through.
This happens when one tries to do business while ignoring the primary Partner.
RABBI ELIMELECH BIDERMAN
