Parsha:

Chayei Sara 

Collections: Rabbi Weinberger: From Lublin To Izhbitz

Description

From Beis Yaakov (Chayei Sarah, 29). Rain ("geshem") is completely dependent on prayer. Rain shares the same root as the term for materialism/physicality ("gashmiyus"), because all of our sustenance is also completely dependent on prayer. This allows us to establish ownership over material possessions on earth. We put in the effort, pray for success, and God showers us with an abundance of blessing, more than we asked for. God takes tremendous pride in those who earn their keep, both through "hishtadlus" but mainly through prayer and recognition as to the source of the blessing. The "other side" wants us to earn things without work so that we feel it is all the work of our hands. With holy things, nothing is free, it requires work.