Rising Inflation

People having frayed nerves about the economy is not a new thing. Government officials attempting to bring solutions forward is also an ancient practice. "A chicken in every pot and a car in every garage", declared a presidential hopeful about a century ago. The declaration did not calm the masses, and the person was derided for the comment. Alas, with the economic advancement in the modern age, people have real concerns again about the economy, with record inflation being felt in all sectors of the economy. Reaching into your pocket and feeling some cash in your pocket doesn't elicit the same feeling of security as the dollars don't translate into the same buying power of a short time ago. Social Security beneficiaries will receive a 5.9% increase as the cost of living adjustment to keep up with the rising cost of living in America today. While I am not an economist as there are various factors for the worrisome trend in the economy, it is a worthy time to reflect on the importance of materialism in our lives. In this week's Parsha, Yaakov makes a heartfelt prayer to G-d as he is about to embark on a journey fraught with danger. Yaakov explicitly asks that he be granted the privilege of having "bread to eat and clothes to wear." It's important to note the simplicity associated with the request. There were no extravagant or grandiose expectations. In times of plenty, one doesn't think twice about clicking and ordering the latest " must-have" on Black Friday or Cyber Monday. The times that we find ourselves in should give us pause to reflect about the role of materialism in our lives. Have a Peaceful Shabbos, Rabbi Yaakov Fisch