A Multi-Pronged Approach to Parnasa - The Yiddishe View on the Parnasa Problem

Problems with parnasa are among the most commonplace complaints in the community. Compiled here are several pieces of important advice, to assist with this tough struggle. While much of this may be concepts you have heard before, it is nonetheless important to take note, as this will serve to better cement the ideas and provide inspiration.

There are several areas one needs to work on to improve one’s parnasa; three are essential, and two are supplementary.

Essential Components: 

1) Increase in Torah and Mitzvos

Included in almost every answer the Rebbe gave people who requested a bracha, including matters of parnasa, was the command to increase one’s Torah and Mitzvos.

This need not be a lofty hiddur. Too often we may get caught up in interesting segulos - say, waking up in the middle of night to recite certain kapitlach of Tehillim – that we forget the basics. This is akin to calling a computer technician to figure out why the computer won’t work, when you haven’t even plugged it in.

It is imperative that we focus on the improving our adherence to “regular” Torah and Mitzvos, such as davening with a minyan

2) Bitachon

Bitachon is erroneously looked at as a mood stabilizer; when there is nothing left to do, just trust in Hashem and let go of the anxiety. Truthfully, bitachon shifts the responsibility of your needs from whoever you trust in (even partially), to the true provider, Hashem. This in effect “allows” Hashem to provide the person with all their needs.

Real bitachon will bring you everything you need, not just parnasa. It is a most worthwhile investment for you (and your spouse) to review the short sefer, Shaar HaBitachon.* It is truly fascinating and will make bitachon and its benefits a real part of your life. ** (An English translation is available by Feldheim publishers.)

3)     Look for a parnasa that will cover your needs

It seems simple, yet applying this principle can be fairly complicated. Once you have the above essentials in place, looking for a job should be that much simpler and more effective.

Don’t set too many limitations on yourself, such as, “I can only do this and never that, I must get paid very well and need two breaks per day, the job must be nearby and I require a raise every quarter.” Each additional clause further limits your chances of receiving any job at all. To be sure, you need to find something that works for you, but you must be able to quickly identify fantasy and reality.

While Bitachon means that you aren’t trusting the medium to bring you your parnasa, it also requires you to make plan based on worldly realities.

Supplementary Areas:

Benefits

There are many benefits that can help you fill in the gaps. Just as you work hard to find a parnasa, these other benefits must also be pursued energetically. Also, a talk an accountant can yield tax and other benefits which can seriously impact your parnasa.

Budget

It is highly beneficial to create a detailed budget of all living expenses. Once you have weekly, monthly and annual expenses laid out clearly, you will find many areas which can easily be trimmed without negatively affecting your lifestyle.

*The Rebbe advised many individuals, (and perhaps to the public) to study it. In the famous Sefer, Reishis Chochma, it says that one cannot serve Hashem without learning it.

**A large portion of this article is based primarily on excerpts from Shaar Habitachon.

By Levi Browd -  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it