Parnassa

The incident regarding the Manna is one of the main sources for teaching us about what our attitude should be about earning a livelihood.

This “food from Heaven,” fed the Jewish people in the desert for forty years. It was given in the merit of Moshe Rabbeinu. When he died, the Manna stopped falling. Some read תפילת המן, the prayer for Manna every day, while others read it the Tuesday before Parshat Beshalach.

The reliance on this magical food, was a new test of faith every day. There was always the fear of what would happen if it didn’t come. On Friday, they gathered a double portion, which is the reason for taking two loaves of Challa, known as “Lechem Mishne,” at our Shabbat table.

Even in the desert, it became clear the level of faith, of each Jew. Those who trusted in Hashem, had the Manna arrive outside their tent. Those who lacked faith, had to travel a bit to find their share of this incredible food. (We believe that there is a jar of Manna hidden somewhere in Jerusalem.)

We must realize that our dependence on Hashem for our sustenance, is really not that much different today, than it was in the desert. We think that we are in control of our destiny, but it is only a facade. The Orchot Tzaddikim reminds us that even financial gifts given to us by our relatives, is also from G-d. If we recognize this, it will help keep us humble.

We must certainly do our own Hishtadlut, by working hard in an honorable way. But our sustenance comes from Heaven, just like the Manna in the desert.