Money Matters and Halacha

The Chazon Ish pointed out a very serious problem connected with the attitude towards money matters.

He wrote that when someone is embroiled in a financial dispute with another individual, his first concern should be to make sure that he conducts himself according to Halacha. He believed that the pressure involved with the possibility of losing money, and the feeling of being cheated, will make the emotions run wild.

Ideally, he should turn to the Halacha for guidance as to how he should handle his situation. However, the reality is that this is not how even the observant Jew will conduct himself.

There must be a change in our educational system. We should be teaching our children from a young age the importance of honesty in money matters. Examples could be taken from our sages. King Solomon once said that he would sacrifice all of his wealth rather than be involved in any falsehood. The Talmud emphasized that we will be asked when we leave this world if we dealt honestly with our fellow man.

One must be reminded that he must not earn any sum of money in a deceitful manner. He will not see any blessing from such money. “Honesty at all costs,” must be the mantra repeated over and over again.

The test of how much faith a person has, is in his wallet. Being religious, involves spending money on Mitzvot generously. The new mindset must be the belief that Halacha is truth and is our guide in all matters, including money matters.