H.W. Charles

Happiness does not result from pleasure, but rather, from reaching one's goals.

Happiness can be defined as the function of the effort we put forth toward the realization of life's goals. When we understand that our purpose in this world is to strive toward purposeful accomplishment, precisely then will we experience happiness.

Religious Jews believe that all things come from God, as God owns everything. The Tanakh says, __he Lord makes some poor and others rich; he brings some down and lifts others up_ (NLT, 1 Samuel 2:7). __he blessing of the LORD brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it_ (NIV, Proverbs 10:22).

Although some popular religious texts such as the New Testament, Quran, Bhagavad Gita, Tao Te Ching, or Tibetan Book of the Dead contain interesting insights and stories, it is the Jewish religious texts such as the Old Testament (Hebrew Scriptures) that contain valuable information on acquiring wealth.

The Jews are known for their perseverance and this is what helps them achieve their goals. Perseverance means continuous persistence in a course of action, a purpose, in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.

It has become a cultural norm in Jewish families for parents to bring up their children to value wealth.

CODE:Cursed is the ground for thy sake; in toil shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life.Tanakh (JPS, Genesis 3:17)DECODED:Blessed is He that discerneth secrets.Talmud (Berakoth 58a)

The Talmud says that __lessed is He who has created all these to serve me._ German politician Julius Streicher said, __t is an open secret that Jews do not work, but rather let others work for them.

Many people have got caught up in the belief known as the __aw of Attraction._ They believe that by their thoughts, affirmations, and other __ttraction_ exercises they will become wealthy. However, the Tanakh wisely says, __n all work there is profit, but mere talk produces only poverty._ (CJB, Proverbs 14:23). Only through work it is possible to produce results that create wealth and simply talking about wealth will not produce any results. The idea that wealth can come through thoughts or affirmations is a fantasy. __ hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies ends up in poverty_ (CJB, Proverbs 28:19).

Jews highly value having an abundance of money for the sake of caring for their families and for helping the needy.

Jews believe that people are creators, not consumers. The role of humans is to improve and perfect God's creations through work, creation, and innovation.

Jews have been the most successful and productive nation in history.

Wealth is a planned result that requires productive work and dedication. The Tanakh says, __he plans of the diligent lead only to abundance; but all who rush in arrive only at want_ (CJB, Proverbs 21:5).

While many ethnic and religious groups are mainly focused on the afterlife and downplaying this world, Jews view wealth and success as a blessing and gift from God.

The Tanakh teaches that, __he diligent will rule, while the lazy will be put to forced labor_. Most Jews work for themselves and hire employees instead of being employees.

Rabbi Elazar ben Azariah said, "Where there is no money, there is no learning." The rabbis explain that unless people's stomachs are full and satisfied, they cannot study, grow spiritually, and do good works.

What a wise man knows, therefore, is how to construct a pattern that, given the human situation, is likely to lead to a good life.

The Jews understand that the blessing of wealth was dependant upon obedience to the law and covenant. The laws in the Torah, if followed, would bring blessings.5 The Tanakh says, __ow joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying his commands_they themselves will be wealthy._ (NLT, Psalm 112:1, 3) "If they listen and obey God, they will be blessed with prosperity throughout their lives._ (NLT, Job 36:11)