Beshalach 5782 – Hishtadlus & Parnasah

The Bottom Line

A fundamental element of our emunah is that any “cause” of my success in making a parnassah is not tied to my education, business connections or natural abilities, but only to Hashem’s decree on Rosh Hashanah. Therefore, the choice of my occupation will neither increase nor decrease my income, unless Hashem decrees so. This coming week, I will, bli neder, take a few extra minutes, to read Parshas HaMann before davening and reflect on the amazing lesson of the Ramban, that parnasah (like the Mann) comes as a result of direct Hashgacha Pratis and not because of my own hishtadlus. I will also remember the awesome words of the Steipler and the incredible story of the Chofetz Chaim’s advice to the two brothers, that whatever parnassah I wasn’t destined to make this year (but made because of my extra hishtadlus or otherwise), may be taken away in the form of various pleasures of this world. This renewed awareness of the subject should, IY”H, strengthen my emunah and connection to HKBH.