“They’ve never really been taught my generation’s lesson— that the riches of a kollel life come along with, maybe even demand, some form of material restraint”
Brachi Silver
The issue of materialism isn’t only that people who can’t afford to are living outside their means, but that (and yes, this is a reflection of my reality and those around me) those who can afford to spend freely are doing that — upgrading every aspect of their existence, from basic needs to luxuries.
We used to be okay with any warm winter coat, but now only Moncler or Canada Goose will do. We used to have a Shabbos seudah with gefilte fish, eggs and liver, and cholent, but now it’s tuna tartare and gourmet herrings and charcuterie and jerky. Decades ago we would never have even considered doing this.
Why should it bother me if people are spending money they can afford to spend? Because we live in a tight-knit and close society, and everyone’s choices impact those around them. We’re all spending on the same narishkeit, so it’s not happening in a vacuum. It’s a trap I find myself falling into as well. And I wonder, as I buckle the strap of my six-year-old’s $159 Mary Janes for her — as yerei Shamayim, why don’t we spend according to our principles and not according to what we can afford? Just because I can afford to spend 700 plus dollars on Gucci sneakers doesn’t mean I should.
I can spend money on Amazon junk like the best of them, but with every purchase of cheap bubble waffle makers and polymer clay kits, I’m conditioning myself and my children to think that if we want something now, there’s nothing that stands in our way. And that’s not a value I want to impart to my children.
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