Chazal say in Pirkei Avos: “Aseh lecha Rav, u’knei lecha chaver.” This isn’t just advice — it’s a demand. You need a Rav: not a political figure, not a fundraiser, not a showman. A Rav is someone who fears Heaven, who holds himself accountable, and who tells you the truth even when it hurts. Without such a guide, even the brightest businessman is walking blind.
The Rav you choose must be a parnas — someone who shoulders the weight of his kehilla. He’s not just a speaker or collector; he’s a caretaker. He sees the pain of the widows and the pressure of the hardworking father who can’t pay tuition. A true Rav doesn’t throw money at headlines or let wealthy donors dictate priorities. He builds a board of wise, Torah-grounded men and allocates funds with caution, not emotion. Until the needs of his own community are met — food, shelter, basic dignity — he has no business giving elsewhere. That’s not leadership. That’s neglect.
The same standard applies to friends. People today surround themselves with others who live like them: same schools, camps, vacations. But Torah doesn’t measure friendship by similarity. If your closest companion is your travel buddy, tennis partner, or someone who helps you spend more — not grow more — he’s not a chaver. A Torah friend guards your soul, not your comforts.
Success only sharpens the danger. Once you’ve made money, the Yetzer Hara stops pushing you to steal — he starts pushing you to enjoy. And enjoy. And enjoy. Comfort becomes a god. Torah says: stop. Take what you need. Hand the rest to someone you trust — a Rav who fears Heaven and a friend who reminds you why you were given wealth in the first place.
Wealth isn’t evil. But unmanaged, unguided wealth becomes your test — and your downfall. Choose your Rav. Choose your chaver. Not the ones who want something from you. The ones who want something for you — in this world and the next.
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Small tidbits and Sparks of wisdom 
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