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‘No Man Lives By Bread Alone’ — The Pursuit of Material Success Also Needs Spirituality

A Torah scroll. Photo: RabbiSacks.org.

The renowned investor and philanthropist Sir John Templeton, who created the Templeton Growth Fund and became one of the wealthiest men in the world, was deeply conscious of the dangers of material aspirations as an end in and of themselves. He explained, “The person who depends on the richness of his faith, rather than the wealth of his possessions, is the one who will find true peace and contentment in life.”

In a fast-paced and relentlessly competitive world, where success is often measured by material possessions and social status, finding a balance between materialism and spirituality has never been more challenging — nor more relevant. We live in a time when consumerism is at an all-time high and growing exponentially. Advertisements and promotions constantly remind us of what we don’t yet have, and what we apparently need to be happy.

But a growing body of research suggests that while material wealth may bring temporary satisfaction, it never leads to long-term happiness or fulfillment. In 2017, the Harvard Gazette highlighted findings from the Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest-running studies of its kind, which tracked the lives of more than 700 men starting in 1938. Over nearly 80 years, the study revealed insights into what truly contributes to a healthy and happy life.

Remarkably, and quite contrary to what many might expect, the study revealed that it’s not wealth, fame, or even hard work that keeps people happy. The truth is far more organic. The real engines of happiness are close relationships, a sense of purpose, and a commitment to a cause or ideal greater than oneself. While financial success and material wealth provide comfort, the true determinants of happiness and well-being are those that nourish us as human beings — things that go far beyond the physical or material.

Another compelling study has shown that religious people who actively participate in a faith-based community are significantly happier than those who don’t, regardless of their wealth or success. The 2010 study, published in the American Sociological Review, found that people who regularly attend religious services and are involved in a faith-based community almost always report higher levels of happiness than those not involved in such communities.

Believing in God and joining with others who share that belief in joint activities significantly contributes to people’s well-being. And while this might not resonate with those focused on the next best thing to buy or watching their wealth grow, it’s not the size of one’s bank account or the brand-name clothes hanging in the closet that fosters lasting happiness, but rather the depth of one’s connections and the commitment to a spiritual life.

It goes without saying that this idea is not new. Thousands of years ago, the Torah already powerfully articulated this principle. In Parshat Eikev, we encounter a verse that has echoed through the ages (Deut. 8:3): “No man lives by bread alone, but rather by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”

This was Moses’ warning to the Israelites as they were about to enter the Promised Land and start becoming materially aware and independently wealthy: “Hey, guys, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that if we just had more—more money, more possessions, more success—we will be content. Don’t fall into that trap,” said Moses, “because if you do, you’ll never be happy.”

Tim Kasser, a respected psychologist at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, is best known for his research on materialism and well-being. In his book “The High Price of Materialism,” he suggests that those prioritizing materialistic goals tend to lower their overall well-being. This is because materialism is often driven by external motivations, such as seeking approval from others or conforming to societal expectations, rather than pursuing internal satisfaction.

In contrast, spiritual aspirations, which focus on inner growth, connection to a higher purpose, and the cultivation of meaningful relationships, are typically associated with greater well-being. Unlike worldly pursuits, which are often fleeting and superficial, spiritual goals provide a more profound and enduring sense of fulfillment.

Yet, despite this knowledge, the pressure to conform to a materialistic lifestyle remains strong. With its constant stream of curated images, social media can amplify feelings of inadequacy and foster a desire for more. But at what cost? As people chase after the next purchase or promotion, they may find themselves disconnected from the very things that bring true happiness: community, purpose, and spiritual connection.

Rabbinic commentators offer deep insights into the verse in Eikev. Ramban explains that “bread” represents all material needs, while the “word of God” symbolizes the spiritual sustenance necessary for a fulfilling life.

The Meshech Chochma, a later commentary, expands on this idea by pointing out that material wealth can quickly become an idol if we are not careful. When we place our trust solely in our possessions or achievements, we risk losing sight of the true source of our blessings. Materialism can cloud our judgment and lead us away from a life of meaning and purpose.

So, how do we strike the right balance between our material needs and spiritual well-being? It starts with awareness. We must recognize that while material possessions can bring comfort, they are not the ultimate source of happiness. Spiritual practices — whether through prayer, acts of kindness, or connecting with a community — truly nourish our souls. History offers us numerous examples of individuals who, despite their immense wealth, only found their true fulfillment in their faith.

One such example is American oil magnate John D. Rockefeller, who faced severe health problems due to the stress of maintaining his vast business empire. It wasn’t until he turned to his Christian faith, dedicating his wealth and life to philanthropic causes by viewing his money as a tool to serve God, that he found peace and fulfillment.

Similarly, the founder of Chick-fil-A, Samuel Truett Cathy, attributed his business success to his strong faith in God. His decision to close all Chick-fil-A stores on Sundays, even at the cost of potential profits, reflected his commitment to his Christian beliefs. As he famously said, “My decision to close on Sunday was my way of honoring God and directing our attention to things that matter more than our business.” For Cathy, his true purpose was not to profit but to honor God’s will.

The most famous recent example in the Jewish world is Paul Reichmann, the Canadian real-estate tycoon. The Reichmann family was devoutly Orthodox and deeply committed to full Torah observance, even as they built one of the largest real estate empires in the world. But Paul Reichmann saw his wealth as a divine trust, using his vast resources to support Jewish education and social causes worldwide. He also insisted that no one who worked for his business – neither Jew nor gentile – ever did any work on Shabbat.

Pursuing material wealth is not inherently wrong, but it must always be tempered with a commitment to spiritual values. It’s perfectly fine to pursue material success, but one must recognize that achieving this goal is not the endgame; without an equally strong aspiration for spiritual fulfillment, material success will ultimately feel hollow and unrewarding.

“No man lives by bread alone,” because true fulfillment comes from feeding both body and soul, always balancing our physical needs with our spiritual aspirations.

The author is a rabbi in Beverly Hills, California.

The post ‘No Man Lives By Bread Alone’ — The Pursuit of Material Success Also Needs Spirituality first appeared on Algemeiner.com.

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After False Dawns, Gazans Hope Trump Will Force End to Two-Year-Old War

Palestinians walk past a residential building destroyed in previous Israeli strikes, after Hamas agreed to release hostages and accept some other terms in a US plan to end the war, in Nuseirat, central Gaza Strip October 4, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa

Exhausted Palestinians in Gaza clung to hopes on Saturday that US President Donald Trump would keep up pressure on Israel to end a two-year-old war that has killed tens of thousands and displaced the entire population of more than two million.

Hamas’ declaration that it was ready to hand over hostages and accept some terms of Trump’s plan to end the conflict while calling for more talks on several key issues was greeted with relief in the enclave, where most homes are now in ruins.

“It’s happy news, it saves those who are still alive,” said 32-year-old Saoud Qarneyta, reacting to Hamas’ response and Trump’s intervention. “This is enough. Houses have been damaged, everything has been damaged, what is left? Nothing.”

GAZAN RESIDENT HOPES ‘WE WILL BE DONE WITH WARS’

Ismail Zayda, 40, a father of three, displaced from a suburb in northern Gaza City where Israel launched a full-scale ground operation last month, said: “We want President Trump to keep pushing for an end to the war, if this chance is lost, it means that Gaza City will be destroyed by Israel and we might not survive.

“Enough, two years of bombardment, death and starvation. Enough,” he told Reuters on a social media chat.

“God willing this will be the last war. We will hopefully be done with the wars,” said 59-year-old Ali Ahmad, speaking in one of the tented camps where most Palestinians now live.

“We urge all sides not to backtrack. Every day of delay costs lives in Gaza, it is not just time wasted, lives get wasted too,” said Tamer Al-Burai, a Gaza City businessman displaced with members of his family in central Gaza Strip.

After two previous ceasefires — one near the start of the war and another earlier this year — lasted only a few weeks, he said; “I am very optimistic this time, maybe Trump’s seeking to be remembered as a man of peace, will bring us real peace this time.”

RESIDENT WORRIES THAT NETANYAHU WILL ‘SABOTAGE’ DEAL

Some voiced hopes of returning to their homes, but the Israeli military issued a fresh warning to Gazans on Saturday to stay out of Gaza City, describing it as a “dangerous combat zone.”

Gazans have faced previous false dawns during the past two years, when Trump and others declared at several points during on-off negotiations between Hamas, Israel and Arab and US mediators that a deal was close, only for war to rage on.

“Will it happen? Can we trust Trump? Maybe we trust Trump, but will Netanyahu abide this time? He has always sabotaged everything and continued the war. I hope he ends it now,” said Aya, 31, who was displaced with her family to Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip.

She added: “Maybe there is a chance the war ends at October 7, two years after it began.”

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Mass Rally in Rome on Fourth Day of Italy’s Pro-Palestinian Protests

A Pro-Palestinian demonstrator waves a Palestinian flag during a national protest for Gaza in Rome, Italy, October 4, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Claudia Greco

Large crowds assembled in central Rome on Saturday for the fourth straight day of protests in Italy since Israel intercepted an international flotilla trying to deliver aid to Gaza, and detained its activists.

People holding banners and Palestinian flags, chanting “Free Palestine” and other slogans, filed past the Colosseum, taking part in a march that organizers hoped would attract at least 1 million people.

“I’m here with a lot of other friends because I think it is important for us all to mobilize individually,” Francesco Galtieri, a 65-year-old musician from Rome, said. “If we don’t all mobilize, then nothing will change.”

Since Israel started blocking the flotilla late on Wednesday, protests have sprung up across Europe and in other parts of the world, but in Italy they have been a daily occurrence, in multiple cities.

On Friday, unions called a general strike in support of the flotilla, with demonstrations across the country that attracted more than 2 million, according to organizers. The interior ministry estimated attendance at around 400,000.

Italy’s right-wing government has been critical of the protests, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni suggesting that people would skip work for Gaza just as an excuse for a longer weekend break.

On Saturday, Meloni blamed protesters for insulting graffiti that appeared on a statue of the late Pope John Paul II outside Rome’s main train station, where Pro-Palestinian groups have been holding a protest picket.

“They say they are taking to the streets for peace, but then they insult the memory of a man who was a true defender and builder of peace. A shameful act committed by people blinded by ideology,” she said in a statement.

Israel launched its Gaza offensive after Hamas terrorists staged a cross border attack on October 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people and taking 251 people hostage.

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Hamas Says It Agrees to Release All Israeli Hostages Under Trump Gaza Plan

Smoke rises during an Israeli military operation in Gaza City, as seen from the central Gaza Strip, October 2, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Dawoud Abu Alkas

Hamas said on Friday it had agreed to release all Israeli hostages, alive or dead, under the terms of US President Donald Trump’s Gaza proposal, and signaled readiness to immediately enter mediated negotiations to discuss the details.

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