By: Rabbi Nilton Bonder (1996)

Published by Shambhala Publications, Inc., Horticulture Hall, 300 Massachusetts Ave. Boston, Massachusetts 02115

ISBN 1-57062-804-1

Book Price: $22.95

Rabbi presents Jewish teachings

Rabbi Nilton Bonder was born in Brazil and ordained at the New York Jewish Theological Seminary. He is the author of several books that reveal Jewish teachings: Yiddishe Kop; creative problem solving in Jewish learning; Tradition and Humour; The Kabbalah of Food; and The Kabbalah of Envy.

Rabbinic Teaching on Money

Rabbi Nilton Bonder shares the timeless principles of Jewish money in ten chapters. He addresses topics such as the limits of wealth (ch. 2); wealth increased by having less (chap. 5); living in the material world (Ch. 6); subsistence agents (Ch. 7); obstacles to wealth (Ch. 8); death and wealth: can you take it with you? And much more!

Improving beliefs about money through the Jewish context

Rabbi Nilton Bonder converses with readers in an informal and educational style. He draws heavily on Jewish thought to inform his readers. This is seen in his opening remarks: “A Jewish aphorism tells us that a man shows his character in three ways: by his drink (i.e. his appetite), his pocket (his relationship with money) and his wrath.”

Insights gleaned from a rabbi’s perspective amplify and qualify Bonder’s presentation. He often asserts rabbinical views, as follows: “The rabbis tell us that…our money is an extension of our reactions and beliefs.” & “The rabbis saw poverty as an unprecedented tragedy. In the Midrash (Exodus Rabbah 31:14) we read: “Nothing in the universe is worse than poverty; it is the most terrible of sufferings. A person oppressed by poverty is like someone who carries on his shoulders the weight of the sufferings of the whole world.” He clearly communicates Jewish ideals.

Rabbi Nilton’s goal is clearly to motivate readers to embrace and act on rabbinic wisdom, seen here: “…it is our duty to create maximum abundance for all without creating scarcity. In the language of the rabbinic market, this it’s the ideal condition where “one party doesn’t lose and the other wins.” Sounds like a win-win!

Bonder is singled out in much of his treatment of solutions to our financial crisis. His answers have a sting of conviction as he states: “Much of the wealth that exists cannot be made available to us because of our unwillingness to share.”

Jewish concepts free us money

Rabbi Nilton Bonder shares Jewish concepts that free us up money, helping readers overcome poverty.

Success Step: List 3 things you believe about money. Let your beliefs about money be cultivated by Jewish thought.