Description
Poverty, obviously, represents a physical and spiritual challenge. However, so does affluence. While Yahadus is acutely aware of the reality of im ein kemach, ein Torah, as well as the spiritual mandate to enjoy the world which Hashem described as tov me'od, there is a great deal of threat posed to man as a result of wealth. This shiur explores the numerous dangers posed by a culture of materialism, both psychological and spiritual, beginning with Mishlei and drawing on sources from Tanach and Chazal. The materialist impediment to Aliyah is broached based on a medrash on our pasuk. Chazal argue that a value centered existence is not only morally superior to a materialist-hedonist one, but more fulfilling in olam hazeh as well.
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