"Of all the disposition and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports ... Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice? And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion."

-President George Washington (Farewell Address)

"Our G-d and G-d of our ancestors: We ask Your blessings for our country, for its government, for its leaders and advisor, and for all who exercise just and rightful authority. Teach them insights from Your Torah, that they may administer all affairs of state fairly, that peace and security, happiness and prosperity, justice and freedom may forever abide in our midst ... May this land under Your providence be an influence for good throughout the world, uniting all people in peace and freedom and helping them to fulfill the vision of Your prophet: "Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they experience war anymore." And let us say: Amen.

-'A Prayer for our Country,' Siddur Sim Shalom

This week I was thinking about the familiar story of Yeshua's encounter with the rich young ruler (Mathew 19:16-30). In the story, the rich young man asks Yeshua about what more he must do in order to obtain eternal life. Truth be told, I always found this story a little puzzling. Originally I was under the impression, as is commonly taught, that this passage was speaking against being wealthy, and having many possessions. Although this interpretation could be plausible, over time I have also come to see something different.

I have found a nuance of something much deeper and related to our relationships with others rather than an abrogation of being wealthy. I came to this conclusion by asking the not so seemingly apparent question: If the wealthy young man was already observing the mitzvot, why did Yeshua tell him that the only way to obtain eternal life was to sell all of his possessions? For nothing in the Scriptures seems to allude to wealth and possessions as being equal to not being able to obtain eternal life.

Yeshua’s original response to the young man was simply, “If you want to obtain eternal life, observe the mitzvot (19:17b).” He than continued by citing five of the Ten Commandments, and the commandment to “Love your neighbor as yourself (Lev. 19:18 & Mark 12:31).” The young man stated that he had done those mitzvot, and wanted to know what more he needed to do.

I believe Yeshua’s response was posited to question the young man’s assuredness. The reason is because all the mitzvot cited by Yeshua fall into the category of "ben adam l'chavero," mitzvot dealing with one’s relationship toward others, and putting others’ needs before your own. When Yeshua asked the young man if he was truly doing so, the young man was too quick to respond.

Being wealthy can put you in a difficult position. As it often forces you to put your own needs before others. With great wealth comes great responsibilities, and often those responsibilities cloud our judgment to see our priorities clearly.

Each one of us may not be financially wealthy, but we each have gifts and talents that can possibly cloud our judgment as well. We can often feel like we are doing everything for G-d already, and when we ask what more G-d wants from us, we are often shocked by His response. We all feel there are things we cannot possibly give up because they are our tools which we use to serve Him. But what G-d really wants is our entire neshama, our entire self. We may be leaders, teachers, musicians, speakers, and artisans. And what G-d wants to know is, if asked to do so, would we be willing to trust Him with our gifts? Would we be willing to give those gifts and talents up for Him?

I am not saying that G-d expects you to give up your talents and gifts, as we are entrusted with those gifts to prepare the way for the coming of Mashiach. However, like the rich young ruler, G-d does often test our faith to determine which we trust more - our own abilities, or upon HaShem. We are all “wealthy.” As such, would we truly be willing to give it all up in order to follow Him? I pray that we would. For by being obedient in doing so, Yeshua assured us, “We will find our rewards in heaven (19:21).”