Privilege as a Test

 

   In this morning’s Parsha, Moshe describes the provision of manna as a test. In what way was eating manna from Heaven a test? Many commentators such as Rashi and Ramban focus on how the manna experience tested our faith in G-d. There were specific restrictions on how to collect the manna that tested our faith in Hashem: only a certain amount, double on Fridays, no collecting on Shabbat. Furthermore no manna could be left over for the next day- meaning that the Jews went to bed each night in the desert with their cupboards bare, totally dependent on G-d, with no natural way to provide for themselves the next day.

        The Seforno explains differently, in a very brief yet powerful comment he writes:

        “The test is in whether you will do G-d’s will when he provides food and clothing for you without pain, without effort.”

        According to Seforno, the test of manna was the test of privilege. How would Bnai Yisrael handle a situation in which they were provided for without having to exert themselves in conventional ways? In general, the Torah advocates for success built upon hard work. For example, later in the Parsha we read the second paragraph of the Shema. In it the Torah promises that if we do what is right then “Veasafta Deganech” as reward we will have the opportunity to reap abundant harvests. Surely those things that we work for we are able to value and appreciate. But what about the manna? We didn’t do anything to get it; G-d provided, it was literally bread from Heaven. How would Bnai Yisrael relate to such privilege? This was the test of the manna according to Seforno. And this test of privelege is as much a test today as it was in the desert.

        Economists and researchers tell us that we are in the midst of the biggest inheritance boom in history. Within the next 40 years, a staggering amount of money will be transferred between generations as inheritance. Depending on the study, estimates range from 40 to over 100 trillion dollars. Many heirs are looking forward to the day that wealth literally falls into their laps (even though it occurs as a result of the death of a loved one). Wealth obtained effortlessly carries its own set of challenges.

        Studies at Columbia University have shown that the wealthiest children are at equal risk for substance abuse, anxiety and depression as low-income children.

        Douglas Freeman is co-founder of a national consulting firm that works with wealthy families. In an article in USA Today he said, "The level of wealth has grown enormously in this country and we've seen the adverse effects. Parents have seen real examples in their families and in those around them of indolent, lethargic, slothful, over-indulged and under-motivated children."

        It is therefore not surprising that a few years ago Warren Buffet pledged the bulk of his estate, at that time worth $31 billion dollars, to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Buffet has often said that wealthy parents should leave their children with enough money to do anything they want but not so much that they are doomed to do nothing at all.

        Privilege is a blessing. Those who feel privileged should be grateful and not take it for granted. Compared to previous centuries and other parts of the world, we all live privileged lives, some of us more so than others. The episode of the manna reminds us that privilege brings with it some tests and challenges. Adversity will more often than not lead us to G-d in some way or another. We may turn to G-d in prayer or we may turn to G-d in anger when things are not going our way. But where does G-d fit in the picture when things are going our way? Privilege tests us not to forget G-d’s role in the world and in our lives. It tests us to maintain proper priorities, and to continue to strive for great things. It tests us to live lives of spiritual wealth, on par with our material wealth.