Volume 1

Business Inspiration

A SOLID FOUNDATION

When a businessman establishes and runs a business, he shouldn’t rely on his own understanding and analysis, because his bias may lead him to err. Instead, he should base his conduct on the Torah’s directives, and if he is in doubt, he should consult a Rov. Whatever the endeavor, he should find out what Torah says about it and follow its guidance completely. For example, he should make sure his economic growth does not encroach on another’s livelihood and is not associated with illicit behavior, chas veshalom. On the contrary, he should act beyond the letter of the law, in a way that is viewed as proper not only by himself but also by others. The Torah says, “Rejoice, Zevulun, in your pursuits, and Yissachar, in your tents of study.” When a person who belongs to the category of Zevulun—namely, a businessman—ensures his conduct is based on the directives of Yissachar—Torah, Hashem promises that he will rejoice in his endeavors. He will experience great success and earn a maximum of profit, while keeping stress and frustration to the bare minimum.

Sichah of 7 Tishrei, 5751 (Sefer Hasichos 5751 vol. 1, pp. 28–29)

Practical Advice

הרחבת העסק לפעמים הכי תכופות רואים שבכמה ענינים אם אין מוסיפין עליהם או עכ“פ משתדלים להוסיף, ה“ה פוחתים והולכים, ולכן גם בהנוגע לשאלתו יעשה בהרחבת עסקו, אף שכמובן מבלי שיהי‘ מושקע בזה ראשו ורובו, והחשש שיוכרח למעט שיעורי לימודיו הרי בהחלטתו תקיפה בזה, בודאי שיש מקום .להרחבת עסקו ומבלי לנגוע בזמני לימודו (ממכתב א‘ אייר תשי“ח)

BUSINESS EXPANSION

We see frequently in many areas that if you do not enlarge them, or at least try to do so, they will continuously get smaller. For this reason, I advise you to work on expanding your business, although you shouldn’t get too preoccupied in doing so. As far as your concern that you will be forced to minimize your set shiurim, I am sure that if you make a firm resolve, you will be able to expand your business without it affecting your times of study.

(Letter of 1 Iyar, 5718)