Hadren Baba Metzia - Business Advice from the Talmud and Why People Die

In this special episode of "Truths, Jewish Wisdom for Today," Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman marks the completion of the Talmudic tractate Bava Metzia with a Hadran, a traditional concluding reflection. He explains the significance of the Hadran prayer, which expresses the commitment to continually return to and study the Torah.

Brackman delves into key themes of Bava Metzia, primarily focusing on property rights, ownership disputes, and business ethics. He highlights a piece of Talmudic business advice that advocates diversifying investments: one-third in real estate, one-third in merchandise, and one-third in cash. This diversification ensures both security and liquidity, allowing one to seize opportunities as they arise.

The episode then explores the concept of the "evil eye" (Ayin Hara) and its implications. Brackman discusses the Talmudic notion that blessings rest only on things hidden from the eye, based on a passage from Deuteronomy. This idea suggests that publicizing one's successes or wealth can attract negative energy, while keeping them private preserves blessings.

Brackman recounts a Talmudic story where 99 out of 100 people were found to have died due to the evil eye. He interprets this as a warning against the stress and materialism that come from constantly chasing visible, measurable successes. Instead, true blessings are found in intangible aspects of life such as relationships, spirituality, and personal growth.

The episode concludes with Brackman encouraging listeners to value these immeasurable blessings over material achievements, emphasizing that a fulfilled life is built on qualities that cannot be quantified.

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Levi Brackman is a rabbi, Ph.D. in psychology, best-selling author of Jewish Wisdom for Business Success, and founder of Invown, a platform for real estate fundraising and investing.