The World Financial Crisis Caused
by Denial of the Almighty
The message below forms the basic textual guide for the following
New BAMBI Broadcast:
http://britam.org/Broadcasts/newBAMBI/wasserman.mp3
(ca. 52 minutes)
Brit-Am
Pre-amble from Yair
Davidiy
The other day I went to visit my son Israel and his family.
Israel lives in a city in the territory of Judah on the West Bank of the Land of
Israel. He is a full-time Rabbinical student. We discussed the present
situation. I said that Brit-Am is suffering from the financial point of view. If
in the past things had become difficult now they have gotten worse. People are
buying less books and making less offerings. Other activists in this field are
undergoing similar experiences. The situation hopefully is temporary and
everyone will get over it.
Israel had heard from another family member in the USA that people
are keeping their money to themselves. They are spending less. They do not
realize that the less money being put out may result in less money being
available ultimately to themselves.
I then opined that there seems to be a loss of faith. There is no
real logical explanation for what is happening other than a sudden collapse in
confidence. People no longer believe in the system or in each other. Everything
is shrinking up.
Israel then said that this reminds him of an article by Rabbi
Elchanan Bunam Wasserman (1874-1941). Rabbi Wasserman was murdered by the
Lithuanian collaborators of the Nazis.
The article by Rabbi Wasserman
concerns the Great Depression ("1929 and ending at different times in the 1930s
or early 1940s for different countries"). It is however pertinent to our own
time and to what is now taking place.
We have taken the liberty of making
a free translation of the article and presenting it below.
The views are not necessarily those of Brit-Am. We may not agree with everything
in the article but we are presenting it because of the valid points it does
make. Presenting such articles is not expected to become a regular feature with
us. This is exceptional. Brit-Am is concerned with the Lost Ten Tribes. We
usually present rabbinical opinion only on rare occasions and when it concerns
the Ten Lost Tribes. We are not in the business of theological discussion. Nor
do we wish to propagate rabbinical opinion on issues beyond our primary concern
which is the Lost Ten Tribes. If there is a need for rabbinical opinion to be
presented on world issues then other forums exist manned by those with more
knowledge, greater authorization, and the needed enthusiasm for such a task.
The article below is an exception because the circumstances are exceptional.
The World Crisis and its
Causes
by
Elchanan Bunam Wasserman
[Article written about the Great
depression of 1929 but also pertinent to present events.]
When bad occurrences and events happen
to a person the Torah outlook is to seek the guilty party in ourselves.
WE ARE VERILY GUILTY [Genesis 42:21].
WHAT IS THIS THAT GOD HATH DONE UNTO US?
[Genesis 42:28] |
In coming today to speak publicly we are obliged to relate to actual
events. What could be more actual than the present Crisis and Desolation that
oppresses the entire world? The world seeks all kinds of counsels and makes all
kinds of plans to cope with the crisis, but without success. We will therefore
attempt to contemplate the causes of the present breakdown according to a Torah
Outlook. This, after all, was the whole purpose for the creation of the world
and encompasses everything that happens in the universe.
Mankind characteristically attributes all his achievements to his
own abilities. This includes such things as wealth, honor, and every other good
thing that occurs to him. He sees in all this the product of his talents, AND
THOU SAY IN THINE HEART, MY POWER AND THE MIGHT OF MINE HAND HATH GOTTEN ME
THIS WEALTH [Deuteronomy 8:17]. On the other hand when bad events and
happenings happen to a person, when his situation deteriorates and he finds
himself sliding down a steep slope, then he ascribes the deficiency to others
and to external circumstance.
We also find this phenomenon amongst the heathen. They
attribute the Crisis to outside causes that are not related to themselves. They
blame others for their troubles and sufferings. The Torah Outlook is different.
When in Egypt the Forefathers of the Israelite Tribes [came face to face with
Joseph. They did not know he was Joseph. They only knew him as the Ruler of
Egypt. Joseph tested them. He placed them in a situation whereby as far as they
knew] they were in danger. They were faced with suspicions and accusations
initiated by the second-in-command to the king. [They did not know it was Joseph
whom they had not recognized.] Immediately they announced, WE ARE VERILY GUILTY
[Genesis 42:21]. [They assumed that] What was happening was caused by the malice of the Deputy
to the Monarch or some other factor. They said, "We brought it upon ourselves".
In addition, everything that was happening was not by chance in their eyes. They
did not hesitate to declare, WHAT IS THIS THAT GOD HATH DONE UNTO US? [Genesis
42:28]. They knew very well that the Almighty brings about all that produces an
effect.
The Causes of the Crisis did not produce
it.
Rather the Crisis that was decreed from Heaven resulted in the Causes needed
to bring it about.
|
The difference between these two approaches is very great. When we
do not perceive the real cause we attribute whatever has happened to a
theoretical determinant. We then make plans how to remove this hypothetical
causative agent. In reality this does not help at all.
|
[The great Commentator on
the Bible, Rashi
said:] "The Almighty has many emissaries". [God can bring about whatever HE
wants to happen in many ways.] If it would occur to the Almighty to make life
difficult for the world it would not be for lack of justification for it. [There
is much that is wrong with the world.] It is not the causes that create the
Crisis. It is rather that the Crisis, being decreed from Heaven, brings it about
that all kinds of reasons and series of events will come to pass to bring the
Crisis into play. [Seen in this way, it is not that the causes bring about the
Crisis but rather that the need for the Crisis gives rise to the causes. The
Crisis that was decreed from Heaven resulted in the Causes needed to bring it
about.] |
Human beings in their blindness attribute the Crisis to prosaic
causes.
This is what the Prophet was referring to:
[Isaiah 10:15] SHALL THE AXE BOAST ITSELF AGAINST HIM THAT HEWETH THEREWITH? OR
SHALL THE SAW MAGNIFY ITSELF AGAINST HIM THAT SHAKETH IT? AS IF THE ROD SHOULD
SHAKE ITSELF AGAINST THEM THAT LIFT IT UP, OR AS IF THE STAFF SHOULD LIFT UP
ITSELF, AS IF IT WERE NO WOOD.
We should attribute the Crisis to a
deficiency
in the way the world is run from Heaven.
This deficiency was caused
by our own incorrect actions. |
It is necessary to understand in particular that the Crisis came about due to a
deficiency in Heaven regarding how the world should be run. This lacking [of
correct rulership] was occasioned by our improper behavior. We should strive
with all our might to make good our deficiency. In short, we should not be lead
astray by artificially inventing imaginary causes for the disaster. We should
rather perceive with open eyes whence came this cloud that darkens the world.
|
The essence of the Crisis is lack of
fiscal fluidity. People no longer believe in each other. Credit is no longer
extended but credit is needed to maintain business and trade.
|
First of all, we should thoroughly examine the deeper significance
of the Crisis. We must see what its essence is. In order to know correctly what
corrective medicines are needed we should firstly realize what the correct
diagnosis of the illness should be. The world sees the crisis as a dire scarcity of
money. Everyone and everything, including governments are suffering from lack of
funds, from poverty. Nevertheless, after contemplating the matter we see that
this conclusion [attributing the Crisis to lack of funds] is superficial and
incorrect. It is possible for a situation to arise in which an individual could
be impoverished due to several reasons. This could also happen to a whole city.
It could occur also even to a country if available finance is transferred and
moves elsewhere. It is impossible however for the whole world to be made
penniless! Money cannot move to another universe. It is also not destroyed. [It
does not disappear.] If so, where then is the money?
The answer is extremely simple: The overwhelming bulk of money is to
be found in the hands of private millionaires or government trusts. It just
does not move. Faith between people has been lost. They do not trust each other
enough to extend credit and enable business and trade. The economic basis of the
world is dependent on economic fluidity. Money has to move from one hand to
another, passing through thousands of hands, to make possible loaning and
exchange.
[In Psalm 89:2 (89:3 in the Hebrew version) it says, "Olam Chesed Yiboney".
This has been translated, in the KV,
MERCY SHALL BE BUILT UP FOR EVER [Psalms 89:2].
It may also be read to say, and as the author interprets it:]
"The World is built through kindness".
[People need to believe in each other, to trust one another, to have positive
feelings about each other. This is kindness. It is kindness of spirit.]
[In Ancient Times there was a coin called a "zuz", in the plural "zuzim". "Zuz"
in Hebrew means "move". The Sages said:] "Why are they called "zuzim"; because
they move ["zuzim"] from one person to another" (Midrash BaMidbar Raba 22:7). [Money
needs to move around.] The special value of money is dependent on its being
moved around. When whole treasuries of funds are frozen and there is trepidation
about moving them into other hands then the money is not helping anyone. Even
the owner of money does not benefit. In its own right one cannot eat money, nor
can one dress oneself in it. Only through its fluidity can money realize its
value. This is the ABC of Economic Science. In this too is hidden the secret of
economic poverty.
The Crisis was not created by a lack in
money
but rather by a lack in trust.
What is the real reason for the earth
being afflicted by lack of trust? |
We already know that the Crisis came about by a lack of money. The
Financial Breakdown was not really caused by a lack of money but rather by a lack of
trust. Faith is lacking.
The Question therefore arises:
Why is the earth
afflicted by a crisis of belief?
In the Age when we had Prophets, they would
prophesy in advance concerning the retribution that would result from
transgression. [This was in order to warn us and give us a chance to rectify
the offence, as it says:]
AS A MAN CHASTENETH HIS SON, SO THE LORD THY GOD CHASTENETH THEE [Deuteronomy
8:5].
The intention was not to afflict us but rather [to prod us into] correcting our
deeds and improving our actions, as a father would his child, as it says:
AND ALL THE PEOPLE SHALL HEAR, AND FEAR, AND DO NO MORE PRESUMPTUOUSLY
[Deuteronomy 17:13].
Today however, since we no longer have Prophets, the Creator determined that the
punishment should fit the crime. This enables us to know what it is that needs
correcting.
Punishment reflects the transgression:
You have lost belief in the
Creator of the World and in HIS Torah.
Because of
this your belief and trust in other people has been taken from you. |
In this last generation the world has sunk into the depths of
denial. They no longer believe in God and HIS Bible. It is true that the
temptation to commit idolatry has been abolished. Instead of idolatry however
we know (Heaven help us) have the Urge of Denial which according to the
Torah is much worse. For the offence of idolatry [a Jew is punished by due
process of Law]: testimony is taken in court; all the precautions needed in
cases capital punishment are administered. In the case of atheists and
free-thinkers [less circumspection is necessary. They are worse.
God Almighty will punish them.]
In this answer lies the solution to the present World Crisis. The
punishment fits the crime. You have lost faith in the creator of the World and
in the Bible. The whole of Creation is ruled according to the Bible. Because of
this faith and trust in other people has been taken away from you. You will now
see what happens when the world tries to get along without faith.
"Punishment only comes to this world to rectify Israelites" (Yebamot
63) and "to correct the common people" (Baba Batra 8). Chastisement does not
come by chance. It is rather admonition and warning. It is therefore worthwhile
considering what it is that we lack within ourselves and where the deficiency
lies.
Why is the world so deficient in belief
in the Almighty?
TAKE HEED TO YOURSELVES, THAT YOUR HEART BE NOT DECEIVED,
AND YE TURN ASIDE, AND
SERVE OTHER GODS, AND WORSHIP THEM
[Deuteronomy 11:16].
It says above,
"AND YE TURN ASIDE, AND SERVE OTHER GODS".
Turning away from the Torah leads to worshipping other gods.
|
We are still faced with a difficult conundrum. Why does the world
lack faith in God so much? More than at any other time? The Torah also gives an
answer to this. It says, "AND YOU SHALL TURN AWAY, AND WORSHIP OTHER GODS".
"As soon as a person turns away from the Torah he immediately worships other
gods" (Rashi quotes Midrash Sifrei). Atheistic denial, as we said, is even worse
than idolatry.
The Evil Inclination seeks to cause the mind and heart of man to
deviate from learning the Bible and seeking to understand where his duty
lies. This results in his being permeated by all kinds of poisonous notions.
|
The Breakdown in faith between the
individual and his fellow man is a result of lack in belief that God rules
Creation. |
It therefore follows that the cause of the Crisis is due to the
World rebelling against Divine Guidance and not due to secondary causes. The
World Breakdown is not caused by financial trauma but by lack of faith. The
collapse of trust between the individual and his fellow man is a consequence of
lack of belief in Divine Guidance.
Source: "Mashber
HaOlami
ve-Sibotav"
in "Kovetz
Mamaarin
and Igarot",
Elchanan
Bunam
Wasserman. Free Translation (with some liberties taken) by
Yair
Davidiy,
Jerusalem, Israel.
Pleased with what you read?
Did you benefit from it?
We do this because we believe in it and enjoy doing it.
Your benefit and wellbeing are goals of ours and worthwhile to us in themselves.
Nevertheless,
Brit-Am depends on contributions alongside purchases of our publications
Click Here to make an offering.
Click Here to view our publications.
|
'It is impossible to rightly govern the
world without God or the Bible.'
George Washington
Brit-Am is the "still small voice" that contains the truth.
[1-Kings 19:12] AND AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE A FIRE; BUT THE LORD WAS NOT IN THE
FIRE: AND AFTER THE FIRE A STILL SMALL VOICE.
