We often carry a lot of guilt and confusion around money. We ask ourselves: Is it wrong to want to make money? Does ambition clash with spirituality? Some even believe that truly righteous people should avoid wealth altogether.
But Judaism teaches us something deeper.
It’s Not About the Money — It’s About the Meaning
There’s a powerful idea in the Talmud: Tzaddikim love their money. At first glance, that may sound strange. Aren’t the righteous supposed to be above material things?
But that’s not what this teaching is saying. It means that righteous people respect their money because they know where it came from. They worked for it. They earned it. And they recognize that money — when used wisely — is a tool for good.
Loving what you earn isn’t about being greedy. It’s about being grateful. It’s about understanding the value of what you’ve created, and using it to bring more goodness into the world.
Wealth with Purpose
When you love what you’ve earned, you’re more likely to use it meaningfully. Not just to indulge, but to uplift.
Giving to others. Helping your children get started in life. Supporting someone’s healing. Investing in education. Sponsoring Torah learning. The list is endless.
When we share what we’ve earned, we’re not losing something — we’re becoming something. We’re transforming money into meaning, possessions into purpose.
You Were Never Meant to Hoard
There’s a beautiful quote from Mark Twain: “The best way to cheer yourself up is to cheer someone else up.” Judaism would agree — but we’d take it even deeper.
The best way to live a spiritually joyful life is to serve others with what you’ve been blessed with. And that includes your wealth.
Real Riches Are Measured in Joy
At the end of the day, loving what you earn is not a spiritual contradiction — it’s a spiritual calling. Money is not the enemy. It’s a means. And when you use it to make the world better, you’re not just rich — you’re righteous.
