There's a well known story about a very successful entrepreneur who came across a simple fishermen. The entrepreneur inquired as to why this man was just sitting back and taking it easy, as opposed to being out in his boat catching more fish. The fisherman replied that he had caught enough for his needs that day. The highly motivated entrepreneur challenged him to catch even more fish – wouldn’t he want to earn enough to expand his business, purchase more boats, hire additional fisherman...and eventually become wealthy and successful? The fisherman, in typical Jewish fashion, answered with a question of his own: What would he do with all that wealth? The entrepreneur responded that he would then be able to afford to sit back, enjoy the world, and relax. The fisherman concluded the conversation by explaining, that he was doing exactly that, without the responsibilities and concerns that would accompany owning an entire fleet of fishing boats.

This story brings to mind the famous teaching of our sages, found in Ethics of our Fathers (4,1): ”Who is wealthy? One who is happy with what he has.”  Of course, one can always go out and attempt to earn more, achieve greater success and fortune, but at the very same time, our sages are teaching us that we must always appreciate and be happy with what we presently have, regardless of what our future earnings may be. Only a person who puts that into action will always be ”wealthy.” And it is only such a person who will always be happy.

In this week’s parsha, Parshas Korach, we find the tragic story of a truly great person who literally buried himself because he failed to learn this lesson. Korach, a cousin to Moshe and Aaron, was a great scholar and was extremely respected. He had accomplished more than almost anyone could ever even dream of achieving. But tragically, Korach was not happy with what he had. Unfortunately, he did not fully appreciate what he had already accomplished. Instead of recognizing the tremendous blessings that were showered upon him, Korach was only able to see what he did not have, but desperately wanted.

And so the Torah relates to us how Korach gathered his allies and led a rebellion against Moshe and Aaron. Ultimately, it ended in total tragedy, with Hashem miraculously having the earth swallow Korach alive, leaving no doubt as to who Hashem had chosen to be the leader and high priest for the Jewish People.

Although the story of Korach took place a very long time ago, the lessons are as applicable today as they were back then. How often are we faced with situations where we are so intent upon achieving even greater success that we may not really appreciate what we presently have? At times, we may not even view it as a question of achieving more than we need, but rather we justify our struggles by characterizing our goals as absolute necessities. The story of Korach should remind us that this is not the proper path. Instead, by appreciating the blessings we already enjoy, we have a tremendous opportunity to reduce the stress in our lives and increase our sense of gratitude to G-d, who provides us with all our needs. Let us always keep the timeless wisdom of the Torah and our sages in mind: Who is wealthy? Those who are happy with what they have. 

Wishing you a great and happy Shabbos.