In a season that is increasingly marked by gifts and giving, the Jewish value of “simplicity / histap’kut” may seem a bit out of touch. To be clear, Judaism has nothing against purchasing material goods and enjoying the pleasures of the world. In fact, we are encouraged to see everything as God’s creation and therefore we should embrace all that life has to offer.
At the same time, we are encouraged to follow the teaching from Pirkei Avot: “Ben Zoma said, ‘Who is wise? The one who learns from everyone . . . Who is mighty? One who controls one’s [natural] urges . . . Who is rich? One who is happy with what one has . . . Who is honored? One who honors others . . .’”
Being happy with what we have and making new purchases may seem to be concepts in competition with each other. And yet, Judaism teaches that these inclinations are only in conflict when purchasing becomes a goal in and of itself. If the purpose of an acquisition is solely to acquire more of something, our tradition teaches us that we are heading in the wrong direction. Rather, we are encouraged to find contentment in what we already have and then we are challenged to take the next step and find happiness as well.
At TAE, the months of December and January are dedicated to simplicity /histap’kut. May we all find riches in this practice.
L' Shalom,
Rabbi Ted Riter - Senior Rabbi
