True Wealth: A Lesson in Spiritual Riches from R’ Yaakov Galinsky
R’ Yaakov Galinsky reflects on true wealth during a reunion with a wealthy friend. While the friend boasts of his riches, R’ Yaakov highlights the value of a family dedicated to Torah and mitzvos, revealing that spiritual wealth surpasses material possessions.
R’ Yaakov Galinsky once met an old friend from his younger years.
The friend looked him over and said, “Yaakov, look at you and look at me.”
The meaning was clear: the man had become very wealthy, while R’ Yaakov had dedicated his life to Torah, chinuch, and harbotzas Torah, without accumulating material riches.
R’ Yaakov then asked, “Tell me, how many children do you have?”
“Two,” the man replied.
“And are they shomrei Torah u’mitzvos?”
The man’s expression changed; he lowered his eyes and began to cry.
R’ Yaakov gently inquired, “Tell me the truth. If I could make your son frum again, would you give me five million dollars?”
“Five million?” the man exclaimed. “Of course! I would give anything!”
R’ Yaakov looked at him and said, “I have more than thirty einiklach who are shomrei Torah u’mitzvos. So tell me, who is truly rich — you or I?”
When R’ Yaakov left, he called his wife to share excitedly that they're multi-millionaires!