Shoftim - Blinded by Money

Bribery blinds the eyes of the wise (Devarim 16:19). In this weeks Torah Portion, we have the famous line cited above. The parsha of shoftim highlights laws for judges, laws associated with war, idolatry and sorcery, and also the famous verse that man is a tree of the field. My focus here is on how exactly bribery blinds the eyes of the wise. I recently read a book called “Secrets of the Millionaire Mind” by T. Harv Eker where he speaks about how the mentality and relationship we have with money is usually passed down from our parents. So, the way our parents related to money is typically close to the way we do. Bridging this to a Gemara in Brachos helps us understand a similar concept that our sages discuss generations ago. The sins of the father are passed down to the children. This idea is heavily debated in the Gemara, but looking at the sources together helps us to see the modern day example. It’s important for all of us to know our relationships with different objects and tools in life; money being one of them. What psychological dna informs our relationships to these things? As we enter Elul, it may be the right time to start reflecting and refining these habits and characteristics. Shavuah Tov#judaism #growth #parsha #selfimprovement #torah #torahportion #selfcare #money #millionaire #secretsofthemillionairemind #psychology #dna #sins #parenting #jew #shoftim #rich #blindness #deuteronomy #devarim #elul #relationship