The only individual in the Torah denied the right to amass a fortune on principle is the king, in whose hands it can so readily lead to a perversion of power. As for the rest of us, Judaism tries to persuade us that money ought not to be an ultimate value in our lives, but rather a force for doing good in the lives of others. The good life is a matter of balance. To devote all our waking hours singlemindedly to making money is to shrink the purpose and potential of our lives. No one, Jewish law asserts, ever became impoverished helping the poor.
Charity ennobles the giver as it ameliorates the human condition.
Though Judaism and Catholicism remain apart on the morality of wealth, they are in concord on the supreme virtue of charity. Talk Shop Sign Up Search Courses Receive the JTS Torah commentary and Shabbat candlelighting times sent to you weekly by e-mail. Click here to sign up for free membership. If you're already a member, Log In .