During the years 5750 - 5751 (1990 - 1991), the world went through an economic recession. Rabbi Yaakov Yitzchok Rabinowicz, the Bialer Rebbe, came by the Rebbe for dollars. He had many ideas how to fix the situation, but the Rebbe’s solution was simple:
The Bialer: The Rebbe should see to it that Jewish people’s financial situation should improve. It has become very hard in Australia, South Africa, and America.
The Rebbe: In the entire world.
The Bialer: In the entire world. Why is this? Perhaps people are not contemplating enough on the verse “Poteach et yadecha u’masbia l’chol chai ratzon.” (You open Your hand and satisfy every living thing [with] its desire.) People should concentrate on the meaning of those words during davening.
The Rebbe: In general we must always try to extol Hashem, but with regards to the Jewish people’s parnassa (livelihood), we mustn’t look for a parnassa for Hashem but for parnassa for Jews. We must ask of Hashem, and even demand of Hashem, that He help, and in a good way.
The Bialer: A Jew told me that the Rebbes must do something about this, to improve the situation—to elicit parnassa from on High.
The Rebbe (smiling): First of all, you should tell that Jew that first he must do something himself, and then he can give advice on what the Rebbes should do.
The Bialer: What should people do?
The Rebbe: What should people do? Add in Torah study and giving tzedaka.
The Bialer: Perhaps also to subjugate oneself prior to davening.
The Rebbe: If people give tzedaka before davening, it will bring all good things.
(23rd of Cheshvan, 5751; Living Torah. “How to Deal with a Recession”, “Children Must Give” & “Great is Tzedaka”, adapted and reprinted from Derher)
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