The Aryeh Goldbloom Team - Torah & Business

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Torah & Business

Torah on Fiscal Health
Belief and Action
Business Ethics through Torah
Sharing our Wealth
A Day of Rest
Financial and Spiritual Rewards
Links

At the Aryeh Goldbloom Team, our philosophy isn't just lip-service; our sense of moral obligation and business ethics comes from our deep religious convictions and beliefs. Our unique Torah-based outlook means that we strive not only to meet our customer's needs, but to reach the highest standards of social and financial responsibility. The Torah presents a practical and far-reaching set of guidelines that gives new meaning to the term "best practice." By adhering to the guidelines set forth in the Torah, we provide our clients with the peace of mind that comes from knowing that their money "is as dear to us as our own." (cf. Ethics of the Fathers 2:12.)

Torah on Fiscal Health

G d gave each of us a portion in this world. This goes for our financial situation as well. But while G d determines the portion of physical wealth that will be ours, it is up to us to pursue methods of obtaining and protecting this wealth. A person may win a million dollars in the lottery, but if he is irresponsible with his newfound prosperity, it will dwindle to nothing in a matter of days. So, too, we must be responsible with our share in this world. And the more we take care of our fiscal health, the more able we are to concentrate on the things that really count.

Belief and Action

Judaism is a religion of action. "Mitzvot," commandments from G d, are the primary way that a Jew connects to and fulfills the will of his Creator. G d demands not only that we believe in Him, but that we act in a manner befitting one made in the image of G-d. Money matters are no exception to this rule. In our finances, just as in all aspects of our daily life, we must be conscientious and careful, to see to it that our money is acquired, spent, protected, and accumulated in accordance with the demands of the Creator of the Universe.

Business Ethics through Torah

The Talmud states that after a person leaves this world and is brought to the Heavenly Tribunal, the first question asked of him is "Have you been honest in business?" (Shabbos 31b) Especially in today's world, where each new day brings a new headline of business scandal, it's hard to feel that there is anyone out there who isn't just "out to make a buck." Even the most honest businessman can sometimes find himself in a situation where pushing the limits of business ethics will push his profit margin higher. How can a person resist these temptations? Yet when a person understands that this world is only a preparation for the next, and that "all of his deeds are written in a book" (Ethics of the Fathers 2:1), he holds himself to a higher standard. He knows that a dollar or two more at the end of the day can't compare to the infinite reward that awaits the righteous in the World to Come.

Sharing Our Wealth

Making and having money is worthless if we cannot share our wealth to help make this world better. Besides providing for our own and our families well-being, we must recognize our responsibility to those who do not have all that they need. The Jewish concept of tithing requires a person to give a minimum of 10% of his total earnings to worthy causes and people in need. Giving a percentage of what one earns, regardless of how much this amounts to, not only serves as a daily reminder of the importance of giving to others, but preserves one's dignity. Whether a person makes a dollar a day or a million dollars a year, he can always give to someone else. This not only helps others, but reminds us Who is responsible for our livelihood after all.

A Day of Rest

People sometimes wonder why a Jew would take a "day off." After all, the world doesn't stop just because the sun goes down Friday night. But Shabbos isn't our day of rest; it's G d's. And on this day, we refrain from creative acts, which serves as a reminder that the true power of Creation lies with G-d. Six days a week we not only can, but must, use all of our resources to improve our lives and the lives of others through work. But on the seventh day, we look up from our desks, tools, and computers, and reflect on the big picture. Then we can return to work with an even greater sense of purpose and determination.

Financial and Spiritual Rewards

Torah asks, "Who is rich? One who is happy with his lot." (Ethics of the Fathers 4:1) We can all "live richly" if we recognize the daily miracles that make our lives meaningful and rich. Yet G d does not expect us to forego physical comfort for spiritual fulfillment. In fact, the Talmud even prescribes a method for obtaining financial wealth. "Conduct business honestly, and ask for mercy from the true source of wealth." (Niddah 50b) If we follow this prescription, our lives will indeed be rich, both materially and spiritually.

Links

www.chabad.org
www.askmoses.com
www.therebbe.org
www.sichosinenglish.org
www.kehotonline.com

"We really trust Aryeh and his team"
—Takeshi and Susan

"Let the money of your fellow man be as dear to you as your own."
—The Ethics of Our Fathers 2:12