One of the stereotypes of Jews is of their being money hungry and greedy. This stereotype arose because they were forced to be moneylenders during the Middle Ages and the people who owed them money didn't want to pay the interest they owed the Jews. The real greed was of the debtors who on occasion killed the Jews they owed money to in order to avoid paying their debts. While reading a book by Yitzhak Ben-Ami called Days of Wrath, Days of Glory, I came across the the will of a Jew by the name of Shneour Levi Yitzhak from the Ukrainian city of Kharkov. In his will he discusses the Jewish attitude toward money so I include it below.
Love and respect the Almighty. To achieve this, my beloved children, you must set aside time for study, even if only for a few minutes. A day should not pass without your having studied. Whether it is the Mishna or the law of Gemara, in no way forget your daily psalm - it is precious to the soul of Israel.
Remember, a man is known by Kisso (his pockets), Kosso (his cup), and Kaaso (his anger) - how he behaves in matters of money, drink and anger. Therefore, be conscientious in your dealings with men, be truthful and righteous to the end. An angry man is like a worshipper of idols, so sleep over your anger at least one night. Set aside a part of what you earn with God's help, to help the needy. Beware of intoxicating drinks...Do not imbibe except for your health or to celebrate happy events or on the Sabbath and holidays.
Watch over your sons and daughters. Give them the best and most righteous teachers. Do not economize on this. Watch, especially in their teens, with whom they associate; keep them away from bad company. Watch over their manners and language, that they should follow in the path of the Torah and wisdom and be without blemish. Do not say that you are too occupied with your daily livelihood and warn your wives to abide by this. Pray for this since it is in you life!
My dear children, what is the lot of man for all his travail? Not money, fancy clothing, precious jewelry, or glory does man acquire to last forever. Wealth is taken away from man or man is taken away from his wealth. Even when he leaves his possessions, it is uncertain how his heirs will manage them. Therefore, the important thing for a man to leave his children is his teachings.
All that I say is not my invention: this is the basis of life for any man of Israel - to learn from God's teachings and guide himself accordingly.
My beloved ones, I and your mother, may she rest in peace, have gone through a lot of suffering for you. But all I ask is that you observe the anniversary of my death according to our tradition...ask for mercy for my soul and my spirit. Do it for the glory of the Almighty, and my soul, too, will benefit...
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