What is the best-kept Jewish secret to financial success? Many have speculated about the remarkable financial achievements of the Jewish people, often noting their disproportionate representation among the world’s wealthiest individuals. Consider this: Jews make up just 0.2% of the global population, yet they account for 20% of the world’s billionaires. Statistically, this is an anomaly—so what’s the key to Jewish financial success?
Many have attempted to answer this question, and numerous books have been written on the topic—mostly by non-Jews, as Jews themselves rarely disclose what they consider to be their true secret. But if there is one fundamental principle that underlies Jewish success, it is this: the cultural practice of giving.
The Counterintuitive Wealth-Building Principle: Giving Leads to More Wealth
At first glance, the idea that giving away wealth leads to greater financial success may seem paradoxical. However, Jewish tradition holds that the more one gives, the more one receives.
Consider another striking statistic: while Jews make up only 2-3% of the U.S. population, they contribute approximately 25% of all philanthropic donations in the country. This remarkable level of generosity is deeply embedded in Jewish culture and faith, and it is no coincidence that Jewish communities have thrived financially throughout history.
This principle is not a modern invention—it has been recognized for centuries. The Talmud (Tractate Shabbat 119a) records a discussion among the rabbis: Why are the Jews of the Land of Israel wealthy? The answer: Because they give so much to tzedakah (charity).
This teaching suggests that wealth is not simply a result of hard work or financial strategy; rather, it is directly connected to one’s willingness to give.
Tzedakah: More Than Charity, A Sacred Responsibility
Tzedakah is often translated as “charity,” but in Jewish thought, it is much more than that. It is not viewed as an optional act of kindness but as a moral and spiritual obligation. Giving is a foundational part of Jewish life, extending beyond money to include time, resources, and support for the community.
This is not just about feeling good; the Talmud makes it clear that giving leads to actual, tangible wealth. Unlike many financial advisors who advocate hoarding and strategic investing before giving, Jewish wisdom suggests the opposite: give first, and financial success will follow.
Even the great Jewish philosopher Maimonides (Rambam) emphasized this idea, stating:
“Anyone who gives tzedakah will never be poor, and anyone who gives will never lack resources.”
This perspective is radically different from conventional financial wisdom.
A Biblical Example: Giving in the Wilderness
This concept is beautifully illustrated in the Torah portion Parshat Terumah, which describes the first sacred act of communal giving by the Israelites.
Chronologically, this portion follows the sin of the Golden Calf, when the Israelites gave their gold to create an idol. That was an example of misguided generosity. However, in Parshat Terumah, the people contribute once again—this time to build the Mishkan (Tabernacle), the portable sanctuary for God’s presence.
Even in the harsh desert, where resources were scarce, the Israelites were asked to give. And despite their limited means, they did so wholeheartedly. The lesson? Even when it seems difficult, giving creates abundance.
Moses Montefiore: A Story of True Wealth
A well-known example of this philosophy in action is Sir Moses Montefiore, a 19th-century Jewish philanthropist and community leader in England. Montefiore was a man of great wealth and influence—he even served as the Sheriff of London. His contributions to Jewish communities extended across Europe and the Middle East, including funding the first neighborhood outside the Old City walls of Jerusalem.
One day, someone asked Montefiore:
“What are you worth?”
Montefiore responded with a figure that seemed surprisingly low. The questioner, knowing Montefiore had much more wealth, pressed him:
“Surely you are worth far more than that?”
Montefiore replied,
“You didn’t ask how much I have. You asked how much I am worth. And the only true measure of worth is how much one gives to others.”
In other words, we are only as wealthy as the amount we are willing to share.
The Kabbalistic Perspective: Keeping the Divine Flow Open
Jewish mysticism (Kabbalah) also reinforces this idea. The Zohar describes a spiritual concept called shefa, a divine flow of abundance that moves from God to humanity. However, if one hoards wealth, the flow is blocked. The way to keep shefa moving is to continuously pass it on—by giving to others.
This mystical understanding aligns perfectly with the Talmudic and Torah teachings on generosity: when we give freely, we open ourselves to receiving more.
Shifting to an Abundance Mindset
This perspective challenges conventional financial logic. Instead of focusing on accumulation, it emphasizes a trust in abundance—the belief that wealth flows to those who keep it in motion.
So here’s a challenge: this week, this month, take a moment to reflect on how much you have given. If you want to see true abundance in your life, consider giving more than you are accustomed to.
Of course, financial advisors would likely advise against this approach. But Jewish wisdom suggests otherwise. Giving is not just about charity—it is a time-tested key to success.
Ultimately, the Jewish secret to financial success isn’t about strategy, luck, or privilege. It’s about generosity.