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Ep 102The Jewish View That Will Change How You See Money (with Rabbi Shais Taub)
1:25

Torah & Jewish outlook · 1:25

The purpose of work is to give G-d plausible deniability

Rabbi Shais Taub

Ep 102Nov 12, 2025

The Jewish View That Will Change How You See Money (with Rabbi Shais Taub)

with Rabbi Shais Taub

When you're working, don't think that your work generates income. It doesn't. Your work is merely the cup that you're holding out within which to receive the income.

Rabbi Shais Taub

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Three entrepreneurs I saw this year couldn't fire unnecessary employees
1:24
Who says working more makes you more money?
1:28
People pay top dollar for consultants and then don't cut anything
1:14
Why did a wealthy Jacob go back for little jars?
1:07
Imagine a guy running around with a hammer just so people see it

Try this · top 3

Quotes

“Anyone who ever gained friends through having money didn't gain good friends.”

Rabbi Shais Taub

“If my value is based on the fact I'm God's creation, well, I'll always be God's creation. That doesn't change.”

Rabbi Shais Taub

“You can have money. You can have a lot of money. Just don't lose sight of what it's for.”

Rabbi Shais Taub

“You have to give more than you're comfortable giving ... because it's like an exercise. It only does something if it burns a little.”

Rabbi Shais Taub

“Money is like fire, respect it, don't worship it. And when you use it wisely, it'll warm the world.”

Eli Langer (money message)

Takeaways

  1. 1 Work is hishtadlus - a natural "cover" that lets Hashem's blessing look natural. It catches income; it doesn't create it.
  2. 2 Working more doesn't guarantee earning more. Overworking just makes the vessel bigger - and an oversized vessel gets clumsy.
  3. 3 Respect money like fire (the half-shekel shown to Moshe as a fiery coin): it can cook, heat, or burn down the house. Respect it, don't love it.
  4. 4 Don't waste - even small things. Yaakov went back for small jars because honest earners value what they earn.
  5. 5 Money has value only for its purpose. A tool like a hammer: use it, then put it down. Don't show it off. Judaism doesn't require poverty for holiness.
  6. 6 Using money to impress people draws shallow friendships and loneliness. If you're successful, be extra careful who you let into your inner circle.
  7. 7 Watch for paying for validation - keeping employees, partners or friends around for approval rather than real value.
  8. 8 Build self-worth on being Hashem's creation, which never changes - not on possessions, neighborhood, or even your charity role.
  9. 9 Giving breaks the scarcity mindset and opens you to more blessing. To grow from it, give a bit more than feels comfortable.
  10. 10 Donors: apply business sense to charity. Nonprofits: raise money by showing results, not desperation.

Full episode

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