There is no doubt that Jewish are successful and wealthy. So, what is their secret?
This article is a research about the riches of Jewish. They are the smartest and most educated group of people in the world and as result the most successful business people out there. Mark, the founder of Facebook is Jewish.
If you struggle with money and success in life, this post is going to open your mind to a new world of riches. Not only it’ll impact positively your life, but also the future of your children.
“Do you love your children enough to spend 5 minutes of your time to learn how Jewish educate their children to make a difference in the world?”
If yes, let’s the party start!
During my research, I came across a quote that is worth to mention:
Poverty is a result of poor choices not of poor luck – Celso Cukierkorn
I think this quote tell all. I hear people faulting their luck for an unsuccessful life. Is it? I’m a strong believer that choices are the most powerful influence in one life.
Anyway, going back to Jewish:
- Why are Jewish considered to be more successful in business than other groups in society?
- Is just a myth or there is something special about them which attract wealth and money?
Research done has shown that the most difficult part in our lives is dealing with money. When you get this part right, all other areas in our lives are relatively easy to deal with.
STORY AND FACTS ABOUT JEWISH
For understating the Jewish secrets to success and money, first we need to understand their cultural background and religious teaching through Talmud, the Torah, and other texts which are ingrained into their culture over the centuries, making them generally successful as a group.
A little story here.
FACT; More than 3000 years ago, Moses commanded his people to teach their children and become a literate nation.
Jewish were the only group of people that everyone had an education, something which in those times, where the privilege only for the elite.
This is what the high priest commanded: “A community that has no public-school teachers,” the Talmud ruled, “shall be excommunicated.”
Amazing!
Nowadays, there are so many countries with no education. Just look at most African’s countries.
Jewish educational methods were far ahead of anything the rest of the world had ever seen, not only back then, but for today standards as well.
Few of the practices:
- The Mishnah and the Talmud demanded critical-thinking skills.
- The practice of studying in pairs and learning out loud taught the art of dialogue.
- A good student was one who asked good questions and “made his teacher wiser.”
I went to the public school in Italy and it was all about memorizing things and learn how to do a job. I was a data processor on my own.
Group’s projects were uncommon, and exchange knowledge during tests was prohibited (the teacher would make the test null). The school rarely teach ethics or spiritual knowledge because it’s against the law.
Another interesting fact is Jews are only some 13.5 million. About 5.7 million Jews live in Israel, 5 million in USA and the rest are scattered as minorities worldwide.
Jews are only 0.02 percent of the world’s population but 35 percent of all Nobel Prize winners.
In the Hasidic schools, professional matchmakers choose spouses based on brains, so if you’re the smartest, a young man is matched to the most beautiful daughter of the richest family. This is a great incentive to study hard.
JEWISH EDUCATION; THE PILLARS TO SUCCESS
Educating The Whole Child; Jewish traditions are the basis of ethics in their society and they are rich in spiritual inspiration.
Give The Child An Identity; A Jewish child is imbued with confidence and pride to face the world and make a difference.
Give The Best To The Children; Jewish can’t think of anything more valuable in life than ensuring their children will receive the best and strive for the best.
Community; They learn, make friends and they grow within a well-educated community.
Marriage; Most Jewish marry between themselves or others only if highly educated and successful.
WHAT JEWISH TEACH THEIR CHILDREN ABOUT MONEY
In most cultures, talking about money is something evil. I’m Christian, and in my religion/culture, the money matters are extremely delicate which are treated like a family secret.
My father thought me about money while shopping in the supermarket. It’s system was simple, buy the cheapest products to save money.
This was much everything I learned about money management from my family. Not very helpful.
Instead, Jewish have a jar system to teach their children about financial discipline as early as 2 years old. Impressive!
Financial education start at the young age so the kids can develop an understanding about five principles:
- TITHE; The paying of the tithes is an important part of the Jewish religious worship. It’s a 10% religious tax.
- GIVING; 10% is for your neighborhood if in need.
- SAVING; 10% is kept away for emergency.
- INVESTING; 20% to invest, and early investment is the best strategy enabling the compounding power to increase your wealth.
- SPENDING; The biggest junk, 50% is for daily spending.
You aren’t allowed to move money from one jar to the another and you must allocate the money immediately.
If you are a visual person, watch this video.
10 JEWISH COMMANDMENTS
WHICH WILL MAKE YOU RICH!
Learning these basic principles and practicing them in your life will ensure that you are as successful in business, investing and life as you can possibly be.
#1 – Believe in the Dignity and Morality of Business
Jews are taught to conduct business honestly and with morality, and you have a product or service that people want or need, then you’re making the world a better place, and you’re making people happy.
This principle is wonderful and important to understand that what you do for a living is an act of service to the world and other people. Be valuable to people, and if a business is done right, money will flow to you.
You think that you aren’t a business man?
The truth is we are all in business, from the Apple’s CEO to the stay home mom. We bring value to others in a form or another.
#2 – Expand Your Network
It’s important to meet as many people as you can and genuinely have an interest in them.
Only by actively engage with other people, can circumstances of wealth be created. You might have noticed that people tend to do business and favor others whom they have a relationship.
Keep in mind that the key element here is to be genuine. Take short cuts and fake your relationships will not take you anywhere in life.
Jewish communal life is tied to the Sabbath, the Synagogue, and Jewish celebrations that bring many people together that may not all know each other. These are excellent opportunities to network and build relationships outside the business purpose alone in a “what can you do for me” atmosphere.
These are excellent opportunities to network and build relationships outside the business purpose alone in a “what can you do for me” atmosphere.
Think about some successful person that you know. Does he has many connections?
#3 – Get To Know Yourself
Knowing yourself is important in order to be effective at whatever you do. People want to do business with you only if they can relate.
What people value most in others to do business with is:
- Trust; We all want to do business with people who we feel we can trust and even connect with on a somewhat spiritual level.
- Determination; Know what you want so you can achieve your goals. Understand what motivate you and others.
- Person of Character; When you become a person of character, you become someone that people want to admire, get to know, and do business with.
- Constant: Consistency helps you learn to be disciplined and diligent in the completion of any goals you may have in life. People like to deal with stable people.
#4 – Don’t Try To Be Perfect
Life, investing and business is never going to be perfect. There are always problems and imperfections along the way. So, don’t worry too much about it, just move on.
Due to imperfection, there will always be the crook business owners, poor people trying to cheat you and unfear treatments at work. That is life. Don’t blame others or capitalism for it, nothing can be perfect.
In business, rewards those who are driven by cooperation and obligation to other. Jews are firm believer in capitalism even before it existed.
#5 – Be A Leader
Jewish tradition teaches that in some way, we are all leaders. According to Jewish tradition, a leader is simply someone who has followers. You can’t be a leader without followers.
Take action and the opportunities to lead to riches will arise.
According to Jewish, to be an effective leader you need:
- Vision; Keep your eye on the big picture while aligning your followers to the ultimate goal.
- Learn to Follow; You can’t lead if you can’t follow your leader.
- Confrontation; You must have the courage to present and maintain the vision, even in the face of opposition.
#6 – Embrace Changes
The world is dynamic, as people and business. Keep an open mind to changes because they bring prosperity.
This process of “Creative Destruction” (getting rid of the old in favor of newer and better) is an essential element of wealth creation that brings forth long-term prosperity, even though it may cause some turbulence in the short term.
#7 – Forsee The Future
The better you can plan for the future, the more successful you’ll be in life.
Learning from the past, taking the time to analyze the present and spotting trends. This work very well in investing.
- Recognize what can and can’t affect you; Any circumstances that will have a direct effect on you, business and life. For example, what would you do if you lose your job?
- Interpret events without emotion; emotion blinds the logic. I know isn’t easy but try to make an effort to distance yourself emotionally from anything so that you can make better decisions.
- Any circumstances aren’t new; Look at history for your doubts. Somewhere, there is an answer for you.
- Watch for patterns; You must have noticed by now that in life there are patterns that repeat itself.
For example, most of the winters have snow. Don’t prepare for winter is fullish because you go against the odds. Learn trends, currency historic prices, market cycles and more to mold your future for the best. - Visualize your future; This state of mind will help to make your thoughts reality.
- Educate yourself; Knowledge will let you be FREE.
#8 – Understand Money
Money is a simple system of trade that is built on trust. Any country that is not trustworthy usually has a weak currency.
So I can say that money is a physical representation of what you’ve done for others. The more you have, the more you have changed the world.
However, in some case, the opposite is true, if you ever heard about conmen.
#9 – Give Away
Rich Jewish should give away 10% of their money to charities or other means to help the needed.
This might sound illogical, but Jewish (and Christian) tradition teaches that when you give your money away, more will return to you.
If you are seen as a generous person, that always give and never ask, you will be regarded successful and trusted. More business will go your way.
#10 – Never Retire
According to Jewish wisdom, retiring early isn’t a good thing. Planning to retire at a certain age is a recipe for unhappiness.
God create us to work. Your usefulness to the world is not a finite resource that gets used up, so when you retire and no longer add to the world through work, you deteriorate.
Therefore, one of the keys to longevity is caring for others. Life revolves around relationships, and caring for others through work helps us to care for ourselves as well.
I’ve to agree with this. After I retired from the corporate world at the age of 31, I carry on to work by helping other to achieve financial independence. Technically I’m still working.
Any form of adding value to this world is considered work for Jewish. If we don’t bring any value, we are an empty body occupying space.
So, tomorrow morning while going to work, keep in mind your creative work adds value to the world.
We should continue to add to the world in some way until it is impossible to do so. This is what keeps us moving, fulfilled, and happy.
HOW JEWISH MANAGE THEIR WEALTH
Talmud has a lot of useful information about how to manage wealth through Judaism principles.
The Sages of the Talmud gave a great deal of useful practical advice together with the spiritual motivation.
The most interesting concept found in these principles is diversification.
THE STORY OF JACOB AND HIS CAMELS
In the book, there is a teaching from Jacob who divided his camels into two camps in case Esau falls to the enemy.
In this passage, we can learn that keeping all our investments in the same egg nest isn’t good conduct.
Being prepared for the unknown future by diversifying in different assets classes and geographical location is a smart move to weather any bad storm.
There is some more specific text in the book that read: “A person should always divide his money into three: one-third in land, one-third in commerce, and one-third at hand.”
That is a 33% diversification strategy for each asset class that is similar to the Couch Potato Strategy.
The impressive part is the couch potato strategy has been develop in the last century. Instead, the Talmud has been written some 3000 years ago.
The financial logic behind the three asset classes are:
- Land never lose all its value, but the return is minimal. (you can use gold and property too)
- Commerce has the highest return but also the greatest risk. (you invest in ETFs or stocks)
- Cash is held for an emergency.
I’ve learned that Jew teaching is part of a religious ideal of temperance, prudence, and generally adopting a long-term approach to planning our life.
It’s prohibited for a person to sell a productive asset to buy a house for his benefit only, or sell his house and buy movable goods (cars, bikes, etc).
There is more; shouldn’t engage in business with the money arise from the sale of the own residence.
This financial approach is useful and the Jews who follow these principles can do well in life.
CONCLUSION
It’s been proven that, as a group, the Jewish people are some of the most successful in the world when it comes to business and money.
Why is that? It’s because of the teaching they receive at a young age.
The wisdom taught by the Torah and other ancient texts allow them to develop the right mindset and principles to succeed in life.
My conclusion is that education and self-learning are part of life and the only way to riches. Be greedy for learning, and you will be financially and spiritual rich in no time.
Do you think acquiring financial knowledge from childhood would impact once life? Do you feel your parents didn’t teach you enough about money? Please comment below.
34 comments
I’m Hispanic and just like many other Hispanic families, mine was always concerned with money but I virtually learned nothing at all about money! I love this money jar concept and I’m committed to distilling it into my spiritual being. This article sounds exactly how Rabbi Daniel Lapin speaks in his book ‘The Business Secrets of the Bible’ which is my favorite book. Thank you for this!
Hi David,
thanks for sharing. I’m going to read “The Business Secrets of the Bible”, it sounds interesting.
Thanks for sharing the wisdom that was passed onto you Rudy. I have become increasingly focused on my Jewish brothers as I feel that Malachi 4:6 is coming to pass. I am a Christian of 47 years old. I believe we owe respect on honor to you and your people. My hope is that we may be mutally encouraged. Blessings to you Rudy.
Hi Rudy, I found your post after researching extensively about the Secrets of getting rich like Jews. I am a 30 years old Christian woman who has been interested in the Jewish Lives and principles as far as I can remember. For me I believe in the Bible, we understand from the Old Testaments that the Jews are Special to God, whether we want ot accept it or not. Even the church I attend here in Jamaica, instilled in us that if we want a financial breakthough we should send financial donations to Israel. The donation can be small or big but God will return to us seven fold and it worked and has been working. Not just for financially but miracles, unexplainable miracles happening to us when we sow willifully to Israel.
I have a daughter, 1 year and 3 months and despite the fact that she and I cannot be Jewish. I would love to raise her to understand the Jews principles. If it is possible could you dirct me to a great website for kids to learn and undersatnd the Jewish rules and principles?
Thank you and Blessings my Brother
I’m so happy and grateful that I found this page today Feb 20th 2019. I’m a 31 year christian wife and mother of two.
I’m born in Sweden of hispanic parents. I was never thought anything about money that I can remember so this “jar” system is something that I will teach my daughter TODAY! (I’m just in my way out TO buy 5 jars.) The last years of my life I have seen and visualise myself as abundant and wealthy even though many hard and tough times, I have always felt that I’m actually abundant and wealthy.
My goal and dream is to become wealthy, rich and have time freedom to spend with my family and to/go wherever we want. I have always admired Jewish people and mindset and I have even added a new name to me which is “Deshen” and means abundance in Hebrew. I will most definitely stay and follow this page. Eternally greatful.
I have read countless books on money and investment, but the Jewish community have the cornerstone on making and saving money. I have some of Rabbi, Daniel Lapkins books they are so profound.
Do you have any favorite book’s titles?
Thanks for these expository learning.
You’re welcome brother
Jewish community are best community in this world
I have always admired Jewish people and friends that I have who are Jewish are the most loyal to me. Show me the Jewish way to wealth and prosperity!
I believe that it is never too late to become financially literate. Thank you for this commentary. The 5 jar system is something I want to implement. I tithe, but I don’t see the cushion to save, I can give more than I do but I have never thought of investing. Question: In what areas would be best to start investing my 20 percent? Thank you for this information, really! I am going to share with my friends and family.
As it is the beginning of your long investing journey, I would invest the 20% on yourself. You are the best investment out there – trust me on this.
This is very helpful and interesting hope I can put this into my brain to succeed
Surely the Jews are very successful people in whatever they’re doing,and I’ve learnt that it’s due to their Disciplined characters.
Thank you Mr for your good lecture which has impacted me instantly.
Great insight . These are practical lessons to learn.
There is one statement I want to inquire about for clarity.
It is said that Jewish money changes hands 18 times before going out of Jewish community.
Honestly, it’s a timely provision to my needs. Thank you Rudy. I hope to more of your updates.
You’re welcome Dele.
This is all top level common knowledge. We have heard these attributes for hundreds of years and they are no secret. Certainly not worth writing an article about. This is no more than eye candy.
My parents didn’t teach me about money with the five jars… Not so common.
This is all the truth, Jews are smart folks and I respect them, but things are not that simple. Having a network of wealthy Jewish investors helped many Jexs to start today mot famous Internet companies. If you look at who invested in whom at the beginning you will see a better picture.This money wasn’t available to you or me. Another, many jewish-owned media promoted those startups, which also wast available to you or me. So this article is true but incomplete.
The network is very important, not only for Jewish. Anyway, no one is going to give you money for a start-up or a business if you don’t provide value. So, if you didn’t born rich, I would suggest investing in your knowledge.
Jews are too intelligent to give advice for free, especially about money, remember who runs the world bank and the jews run wall street, hollywood also even a guy named meyer lansky got in on the gig, beware the elephant in the room.
Hi Jacob, I don’t consider a person intelligent who can’t share wisdom and knowledge. Definitely it’s important to read between the lines.
You article answered the question I have been asking for years.
And what that question would be?
I want to be business and money-smart like Jewish people – I’m not Jewish but I admire you. I’m a bit slow in the uptake thought.
Hi Norma, I’m not Jewish too.
Thank You Rudy for thew great info.
You’re welcome Brian.
I test 2 standard deviations higher than the average Ashkenazi on IQ tests. There are more smart gentiles than Jews just as a matter of numbers. The wealth and education gap can be attributed to different religious and cultural beliefs and training and ethical standards.
Yes, this Jar system is very interesting and easy to remember. We can surely implement the system in our lives. Thank you for collecting all the resources and putting together this article. I live in China. My parents only told me to try to save money, never waste a penny, that’s all.
Basically all Chinese parents gave the same kind of financial education to their children, for hundreds of years. Trading and doing business was not considered a dicent job. Everyone just wanted to be part of the government system because you get power, steady income, easy work, etc.
I am in debt, so no money to invest in other businesses, but I can still invest in my knowledge, especially how to deal with money and be rich.
Hi Julian,
thanks for sharing your personal experience.
Saving is a good thing, but it’s important to invest in personal knowledge to create systems that multiply those saving. For example, learn how to build a business or how to invest money in an index fund.
I’ve noticed the government thing in all Asia, and I believe this set mind is creating a sick society in Asia. A few super-rich and powerful people, and the vast majority poor and weak.
Do you think this mentality in China is changing with the new generation?
Hi Rudy,
Sumit here. I am a self employed person, an illustrator and artist – specifically.
Last year after my baby girl was born, i started to take investments seriously. Btw, i also left corporate job at the age of 32 and thought about going the hard way of freelance art and illustration business – as drawing and painting was my hobby – which I can do all my life without being tired at all.
Well, where I was – after my baby born, i started investing in deposits and this year started learning about mutual funds. And I am happy with my progress.
But lately there was some series of events – tho I am a hindu, but I don’t have superstitions – and I don’t believe in luck either.
And added to the list – my laptop died while I am in between a load of projects. – Just think.
Well, why am I here and why am I making your readers bore with those personal things?
I have read many articles about Jewish peoples, there culture – and over all their philosophy.
And while thinking about my dead laptop and recent investment related turmoil s – jyst thought about learning some thing new – and stumbled upon this great article – and what caught my eye – the first quote “poverty is the result of poor choice, not of poor luck”
Yes – last time if i had purchased a heavy duty laptop like now i have decided, then the price of the budget one could have been saved.
Two more decisions i have made while reading this article – i am not retiring as I planned in next 10 years, and I am going to invest more comparing as am I doing now.
Rudy, thank you so much for sharing such a great article – from the bottom of my heart.
Please take care and be safe,
Sumit