D'var Torah: A Kohen who fell on hard times, decided to go abroad to seek a livelihood. One of the responsibilities of a Kohen is to examine people who have
tzara'as, a spiritual blemish that manifests as a skin disorder. Before he left his family, he taught his wife the laws of
tzara'as in case someone needed an examination. He explained to her that one of the symptoms of
tzara'as is found in the hairs of body. "Each strand of hair has a follicle that supplies it with nutrients. A withered strand of hair is a sign of
tzara'as because it indicates that the skin below the follicle is dry," he said. "My dear husband," she said, "if HaShem supplies every strand of hair with its own reservoir of nutrients, then surely HaShem will provide you with a livelihood for our family!" She was so strong in her faith that she did not permit him to leave Eretz Yisrael.
Moral: When a person is in a financial crunch he needs to change his perspective and strengthen his faith in HaShem. He detaches himself from the distress of the situation by focusing on the kindness of HaShem that permeates the universe and provides for all of His creations. Now with his renewed faith, he is inspired to sincerely trust in HaShem to send him his livelihood.
Application: Reflect on the truth that at this very moment HaShem is supplying life to all of His creations. Be encouraged in knowing that HaShem is our compassionate Father. Rely on HaShem with absolute certainty, as King David said, "The kindness of HaShem surrounds the righteous."
(Based on Midrash Tanchuma)
