Parnassa and Faith

There is a story in the “Duties of the Heart,” where a believing Jew is mocked by a scoffer. The believing had traveled a great distance to sell his wares in order to make a living.

He was mocked by the scoffer when he made fun of the fact that he had traveled such a great distance in order to earn a livelihood. Why didn’t his belief in G-d provide him with his sustenance closer to home?

This argument made an impression on the Jew. He realized that perhaps there was something lacking in his service of Hashem.

We see a similar idea connected with the gathering of the Manna. We are told that those who had faith, had their daily allotment delivered at their doorstep. Those who doubted G-d, had to travel a greater distance in order to receive their “bread from Heaven.”

There are some people that have the custom of adding a special blessing to their host in the Bircat Hamazon, Grace after Meal. Their blessing wishes that their host find his Parnassa, sustenance, close to the city, so that he does not need to leave his family.

Perhaps the issue of earning a living and paying our bills, is a big test of faith for us. This is where our trust in G-d should allow us not to worry. We must have the confidence that we will not be disappointed because of our faith.

We actually conclude the Birkat Hamazon with the idea that one who trusts in Hashem will be blessed. We must never forget this.