Divine Sustenance: A Journey of Faith and Livelihood

In Parashat Tazria, the Torah introduces the spiritual condition of tzara’at, a type of leprosy tied not to physical disease but to inner moral or spiritual blemishes. The Midrash (Tanchuma Tazria 6) shares a striking story that reframes how we understand parnassah—our livelihood—from the perspective of faith.

A kohen who was responsible for examining blemishes fell into financial hardship. With no way to sustain himself, he considered traveling abroad in search of work. Before leaving, he taught his wife how to identify tzara’at: “Every strand of hair grows from its own follicle and is nourished by its own spring. If a person’s hair has dried out, it means the spring has dried up—and the person is afflicted.”

His wife listened and responded with quiet wisdom: “You’re telling me that the Creator provides nourishment for every individual hair, yet He cannot provide sustenance for a human being? Why must you leave Eretz Yisrael to make a living?” Her words penetrated. He stayed—and ultimately found the livelihood he needed right at home.

Rav Boaron shares a beautiful modern-day parallel, told to him by Rav David Abuchatzeira shlit”a, about his uncle, the great Rav Meir Abuchatzeira zt”l:

While Rav Meir was still in Morocco, a Jewish man came to him crying. He was about to make aliyah and had come to say goodbye. Rav Meir asked, “Why are you crying? You should be overjoyed to be going to Eretz Yisrael!”

The man replied, “I am happy—but also afraid. I’m completely illiterate. I’ve heard that in Israel, everyone is educated. How will I earn a living without being able to read or write?”

Rav Meir responded, “Exactly because you are illiterate, you will have abundant livelihood!” The man left uplifted and confident. On the plane, others questioned his joy. “You? Succeed in Israel without even knowing how to read?”

But Hashem had other plans.

Soon after, one of the man’s sons began working in the Israeli military industry. One day, his commander faced a dilemma. He had a pile of highly confidential documents that needed to be destroyed, but no one on staff had time, and they couldn’t hire an outsider due to security risks.

The son offered a creative solution: “Why not hire someone who can’t read?”

“Who in Israel can’t read?” the officer scoffed.

“My father,” the son answered.

They brought him in and tested him with a newspaper. When he opened it upside down, it was clear—he truly couldn’t read. He was hired on the spot. All day long, he shredded classified materials, earning an excellent salary. Even after retirement, they brought him back—no one could replace him. He worked into old age, with full benefits and dignity.

This powerful story reminds us that parnassah is in Hashem’s hands. Unlike Torah or wisdom, which require great effort and diligence, livelihood can come without intense labor. Inheritance, gifts, even lottery winnings—all are sustenance from Above. And yet, this is where people often invest the most energy and worry.

Rav Shlomo Levinstein shlit”a notes that the wealthiest individuals in the world do not share one common trait. Some are wise, others not. Some work tirelessly, others seem to coast. What unites them? Only one thing: Hashem’s will. Their wealth, like all sustenance, comes by Divine decree.

So what should we do when facing financial struggle? Turn to the ultimate source of all blessing—the Master of the Universe. No one knows our needs better than He does. And no effort bears fruit without His will.

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Rabbi Leeor Dahan, a graduate of Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim/RSA, is a noted scholar and teacher, well-versed in halachah. He currently leads Kehilat Avodat Hashem in Hillcrest, Queens, inspiring his congregation to delve into Torah study and embrace its eternal teachings.