The Key to Success

“And it will become your portion.” (Shemot 29:26) 

Joy Unlocks the Blessings of Livelihood 

Once, a Jew came to the Baal Shem Tov, zt”l. He was struggling to earn a living, and he wanted the Baal Shem Tov’s advice. The Baal Shem Tov said to him, “You need to always be happy, for simcha, joy, is a segulah, powerful remedy for livelihood.” 

The Baal Shem Tov then explained, “The name of the angel that is appointed over livelihood is alluded to by the last letters of the words פות’ח א’ת יד’ך (‘open Your hand’). This angel’s name is also alluded to by the last letters of והיי’ת א’ך שמ’ח (‘and you will be happy’). You see, the same letters that point to the angel of livelihood also carry the message of happiness. Through joy, livelihood flows into the world.” 

This teaching not only emphasizes the power of happiness but also reveals that the key to a successful and fulfilling life may lie in nurturing joy, particularly in times of hardship. 

R’ Yitzchak of Kazimierz, zt”l, taught that the source for this idea can be found in a pasuk discussing how Zevulun should conduct themselves in business. The pasuk states (Devarim 33:18), “And to Zevulun he said: ‘Rejoice, Zevulun, in your departure…'” Rashi explains that this refers to Zevulun’s success in business. From here, we learn that the Torah links joy to prosperity — through joy, success in business is achieved. 

The Chozeh from Lublin, zt”l, in Divrei Emes (Parshas Terumah), explained, that simcha and joy has the ability to sweeten the din and judgements that a person faces in his life, and has the power to vanquish the impure forces that block one’s livelihood. Therefore, once a person is living a life infused with joy, his livelihood automatically flows into the world and to him. 

The Root of Poverty 

This idea can be found in the Tikkunei Zohar (Tikkun 19), where it is stated that the mazel (fortune) of Saturn increases sadness in the world, and this sadness is the root of poverty. 

R’ Yisrael Avraham of Tsharni-Ostroh, zt”l, said, “If a person sighs about his livelihood, then with the first sigh, financial success moves away from him by four cubits. And the more he sighs, the further it moves away from him.” 

R’ Avraham of Slonim, zt”l, said, “Happiness is the key to earning a living and sustenance, both spiritually and physically.” He supported this with the pasuk that says (Bereishit 45:5), “But now do not be sad… it was to preserve life that Hashem sent me before you”… Meaning, if a person is sad or despondent, then it becomes difficult to achieve the livelihood that will sustain him and his family. However, when he is filled with happiness and joy, pushing away feelings of sadness and disappointment, Hashem sends him the financial success that he needs in abundance. 

R’ Moshe of Dribin, who was one of the wealthiest men in Russia, suffered a devastating financial loss. When this happened, he wrote a letter to his Rebbe, the Baal HaTanya zt”l. 

The Rebbe replied that the key to maintaining his wealth was to be careful not to fall into despair or sadness, as the pasuk says (Mishlei 10:22), “The blessing of Hashem will bring riches, and toil will add nothing to it”. Separating yourself from the emotion of sadness is the prerequisite for wealth. 

The man followed his Rebbe’s advice, and he once again became affluent. 

Doing it for Livelihood 

A chassid once came to the Yismach Yisrael of Aleksander, zt”l, and complained that he was facing challenges when it came to earning a living. The Rebbe told him that simcha and happiness is a wonderful remedy for livelihood. The chassid responded, “What should I do? In my situation, how can I be happy?” 

The Rebbe replied, “What would you not do for livelihood?!” 

This story imparts a powerful lesson: since joy serves as a remedy for life’s challenges, it is precisely during difficult times that one must actively strengthen this trait. Any Jew who sincerely desires to be happy, possesses the ability to uplift themselves and embrace joy at any moment. 

The Joy of Torah Study 

The path for a Jew to achieve true happiness, is to establish a daily time to study Torah. Studying Torah brings a person joy in their mitzvot, as it says (Tehillim 19:9), “The orders of the Lord are upright, causing the heart to rejoice”… 

Therefore, a person needs to learn with energy and excitement which will help him achieve joy which helps ensure that he can experience success in earning a living. The Avnei Nezer of Sochaczew, zt”l, said, “All the troubles and difficulties in the world are due to the fact that people learn the Talmud as if they want to sleep. If the world would obey me and enthusiastically learn Talmud, I guarantee that no Jew would be lacking in their livelihood.” 

The Seforim HaKedoshim explain the pasuk quotes about that “Zevulun will rejoice in your going out and Yissachar in your tents” means that Zevulun will rejoice when going out to work by adopting the trait of Yissachar who sits in the tent and studies the Torah. Before going to work, a person should first study Torah. That will bring him joy and, through this joy, he will succeed in his business. 

R’ Simcha Bunim of Peshischa, zt”l, said that this is alluded to in the pasuk that says (Mishlei 31:15), “She rises while it is still night and gives food to her household…” When a person rises early to study Torah, then he certainly will be able to earn a living. 

The Joy of Adar 

This needs to be the focus in the month of Adar. Chazal taught (Taanit 29b) that when the month of Adar begins, we must increase in joy. 

R’ Shalom of Provihtch, zt”l, explained that the reason that Chazal said that “we increase with joy” and not “we increase joy” is because they meant that through joy we can increase the kindness that is bestowed on the Jewish people in Adar. 

This stands in contrast to the month of Av, which Chazal (Taanit 29b) describes as a time when we diminish joy. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 131:2) teaches that during this period of Av, one should reduce business dealings, as blessing does not rest upon possessions when joy is lacking. 

Chazal taught (Beitza 15b) that anyone who wants his possessions to endure, should plant in them Adar. Meaning, if someone wants his livelihood to flow abundantly and be sustained forever, they need to internalize this trait of happiness and joy, which is increased in the month of Adar. 

This is alluded to in our pasuk. When it says, “And it will be” the pasuk is hinting to the character trait of joy as Chazal taught (Vayikra Rabba 11:7) that whenever the Torah uses the word “and it will be,” it refers to joy. When there is joy, the pasuk continues that “It will be for you” — for your benefit and good – “as your portion” — your sustenance and livelihood, for joy is the key that unlocks the blessings of livelihood. 

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The Kalever Rebbe is the seventh Rebbe of the Kaalov Chasidic dynasty, begun by his ancestor who was born to his previously childless parents after receiving a blessing from the Baal Shem Tov zy”a, and later learned under the Maggid of Mezeritch zt”l. The Rebbe has been involved in outreach for more than 30 years and writes weekly emails on understanding current issues through the Torah. Sign up at www.kaalov.org.