25 Teves 5723
It is said of the Baal Shem Tov that he would never want money
left in his house overnight. The “left over” money would disturb
him of his Cheshbon Hanefesh at Krias Shema. He’d therefore
give all away before he’d prepare himself for sleep, night after
night.
This type of conduct is foreign to American Culture. Here in
America, one must first have a savings account together with a
checkbook. Then it is a must to have money put into another
account. Some money must be left over to be put into a sock so
that nobody will know of it, and then there must be a safe in
order to be exempt of paying taxes. There must also be life
insurance, fire insurance, car insurance and building insurance.
All these insurances are also money.
What ever it may be, once in a while we should be able to empty
our pockets more often then once a week on Erev Shabbos. This
should be done on any given Tuesday. After doing so, just rely
on Hashem that he will repay you with thousands more.
What I mean is, those who are worthy can be like the students of
the Baal Shem Tov. As the Rebbe the Nassi related, once on
Motzai Shabbos before Havdolah, the Baal Shem Tov entered
the room where the Chassisim were gathered, and ordered that
a candle should be lit. Being that it was just after Shabbos, none
of the Chassidim had money to go and buy a candle. But with
complete faith in the Rebbe’s words, they put their hands in their
pockets and behold there was money. They went and bought
candles.
(Maaseh Rav Tape #5 Side 2 the tenth Sicha)
